Implementing Science Notebooks

The use of science notebooks is an integral part of implementing AMSTI. All too often teachers get bogged down in one specific aspect of the notebook training and see the notebook as a hurdle to overcome instead of the learning tool that it is. Speaking personally from my experience after attending my first Science Notebooks workshop, I couldn't get past the idea that it HAD to be a composition notebook. My supply list at school did not call for composition notebooks, and I was unable to request additional supplies. So I felt that I was unable to go any further. I continued with my usual system of a 3-ring binder with tabbed sections, feeling that I had failed at science notebooks.

At my next Summer Institute, I found out that many of my peer teachers had fully implemented the science notebook concept into their class--most without the use of that infamous composition notebook. It works beautifully with a 3-ring binder, a pocket folder, a spiral notebook, etc.. I came to the realization that it was not the physical structure of the notebook that was so important--it was the contents inside! Were my students using the components (problem, prediction, plan, data, conclusion, new questions)? YES! Were my students creating a chronological log of their learning? YES! Were we using the notebooks as an assessment tool? YES!

A side benefit of science notebooks is the amount of copies you can save. Due to proration, many of you are limited in the number of copies you can make. As the students use the notebooks and become accustomed to writing the question, hypothesis, and describing their results on their own, you will find that the handout masters lose their usefulness. The process becomes second-nature with guidance and practice.

Another key point is that every notebook entry will not follow the basic six components. Some lessons are meant as observations, reflections, or content reinforcement. Do you still record those lessons in the notebook? YES! They are a step in the students' progression through the module and contain vital information for you and them.

Remember, it needs to work for you and your students. Science notebooks are a tool to promote process skills and problem solving. If anyone has had an Aha! moment that you would like to share regarding your science notebooks, please post a comment here. We are a team and can learn from each other's experiences.

Have a great week,
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

Ordering Living Materials

Many questions regarding living materials have come up this week so I wanted to address them here so that others may benefit from the same information.
The following AMSTI modules have living materials that are an integral part of the unit:
1st grade: Animals 2x2
2nd grade: Soils, Organisms
4th grade: Animal Studies
5th grade: Microworlds, Ecosystems
7th grade: Organisms-Macro to Micro

When you receive your kit, you will find a Living Materials Letter packed inside. It includes care instructions, ordering information, and a coupon for each shipment that is provided with your kit.

To order your living materials, go to www.carolina.com/livingform . You will enter your shipping address as well as the Control Number found on the top right of each coupon. You will also choose the date you want the shipment(s) to arrive. Deliveries are only made on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You must also give 10 days from order date to delivery. Plan ahead!

For modules with multiple coupons, it is best to space your orders apart so that you can focus on the investigations with each organism. Plan your orders/deliveries to follow your progression through the unit.

Let your office staff know that you are expecting a delivery so that you can open the package immediately to acclimate the animals to their new surroundings. If there are any problems with your order upon arrival, call the customer service department at Carolina Biological at 800-334-5551. You will need your Control Number handy so that they can process any reorders.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

More Compressed Training Opportunities!

There are many of you that have changed grade levels since your AMSTI training or you may be one of the lucky ones to teach multiple grade levels each day. Either way, you are in need of compressed training so that you will receive those science modules. Please follow the link below to print out a registration form for compressed training opportunites offered through AMSTI-Athens State and AMSTI-UNA. The sessions available at ASTA are also found on this form.

Compressed Training Registration Form

Please return your registration to us by FAX at 256-216-6623 by 9/4/2009. If you have any questions, you can contact me by email or call our office at 256-216-6622.

They have left the building!

With the exception of a few Cullman County schools, all systems have picked up their kits from our warehouse and delivered them to your classrooms. Please let us know if you have any concerns about your science modules or GLOBE kits. Our materials manager is Debbie Phillips (debbie.phillips@athens.edu).







Remember that GLOBE kits stay at your school and are not returned to AMSTI-Athens. Many schools choose to store the GPS kit in the library or computer lab where teachers have access to check out the units as needed. Individual grade level GLOBE kits can also be stored in a central location or with a Lead Teacher for that particular grade. Make it work for your faculty!







Carrie Lin



carrie.lin@athens.edu

Speaking of ASTA...

ASTA is seeking session proposals for the upcoming convention in Birmingham on October 20th. If you are interested in presenting, follow this link for a proposal form. Deadline for submissions is September 1st. Each of you has an area of expertise, skill, or knowledge that you can share with fellow science teachers from across the state!

Proposal Form

We'd love to see your there,
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

K-5 Science Compressed Training

Click on the link below to find information regarding Year 1 Science Compressed Training that will be offered at the 2009 ASTA Convention in Birmingham on October 19th. Feel free to print and share with others in your faculty who may be interested. Qualifications and registration information can be found on this document. If you qualify and are interested in attending, contact Joyce Waid (joyce.waid@athens.edu) for approval before you send in your registration for the convention.

ASTA K-5 Science Compressed Training

Thanks!
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

Welcome Back to School!

Here they come! As the new school year QUICKLY approaches, we all have begun to hit "panic mode". Many busy days are spent getting the classroom ready and preparing our materials for the new crop of students to enter the door on the first day. I would like to wish all of you a great year and to remind you that I am here to help you in anyway I can with AMSTI science.
Thanks for all you do,
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

Science Cycle Dates

Here are the Cycle Dates for your science modules for 2009-2010.

Cullman Co, Lawrence Co, Limestone Co, & Morgan Co.
Cycle 1: August 17-October 15
Cycle 2: October 23-December 18
Cycle 3: January 11-March 12
Cycle 4: March 24-May 21

Athens City, Blount Co, Oneonta City
Cycle 1: August 14-October 16
Cycle 2: October 23-December 18
Cycle 3: January 11-March 8
Cycle 4: March 22-May 18

Please let me know if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you to schedule a visit with your classes!