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