Using Science Notebooks as tools for teaching

Why Science notebooks? Important tools for practicing scientists Provide practice writing Everyday language Scientific language Students communicate with themselves Students re-read their own writing Enhance organization skills

Science notebooks enhance Science skills Figure 1. Results of the Valle Imperial Project in science on science proficiency. From Klentschy et al. 2000.

Science notebooks enhance language skills Figure 2. Results of the Valle Imperial Project in science on English proficiency. From Klentschy et al. 2000.

Components of Notebook Before investigation Describe/plan investigation State question being addressed Make prediction before investigation Explain reasoning (i.e. hypothesis) behind prediction Please note: Often, stating the hypothesis is easier after making a prediction But distinction should still be made.

Components of Notebook During Investigation Record Methods – What did you do? Record Data in organized format Make tables Produce Graphs Record observations Answer Questions Explain thoughts, ideas, new concepts that arise during investigation

Components of Notebook After Investigation Compare results to prediction basic stats? Hypothesis supported or falsified? explain why or why not use evidence from investigation How could investigation be improved? How could you learn more? New questions, hypotheses, or investigations

Using the notebook Notebook is not the end product Use notebook to produce other products Posters, drawings Summary Paper Using the notebook is key Makes students re-read Notebook Relies on Communication/organizational skills Communication with “Future self”

Assessment Notebook is PRACTICE: De-emphasize right vs. wrong Focus on how to improve Requires teacher feedback Focus assessment on: Language use Organization Overall process of following, recording and analyzing investigation. Open Notebook quizzes can: target specific content goals

Content Assessment Content knowledge and understanding best assessed using products of journal use. A good notebook will lead to good products summaries, posters, papers etc. Content knowledge and understanding should be built into these activities Use resources explain concepts etc.

Flexibility Basic notebook can be easily modified to accomplish specific goals Add specific questions. What did you measure and how? Add sections to focus on specific areas process skills Language development Graphic organizers Vocab review etc.

The lab report The lab report is used at higher levels Fill-in-the-blank for lower levels more freeform as term/class progresses Notebook follows structure of lab report Scientific papers are used at even higher levels College, Grad school Scientific paper follows same basic structure

Notebooks Prepare Students for Future Achievement Pre-investigation During investigation Post-investigation Lab report Introduction Materials and Methods Results Scientific paper Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion