Science Notebooks, Log or Journal The purpose of science is to answer our questions about the nature of the world – whether we like the answers or not. Alan Leshner

Science Investigations Inquiry-based investigation involves the scientific processes used in conducting investigations: Identify a problem or need Propose solutions Implement proposed solutions Evaluate solutions Revise solution as needed

Notebooks or Journals Notebooks/journals are used to record Field notes Reflections 3

Types of Entries Drawings –Sketches –Scientific Illustrations –Technical Drawings Tables, Charts, and Graphs Graphic Organizers Notes and Practice Problems Reflective and Analytical Entries Conclusions Inserts Investigation Formats Writing Frame

Scientists and their Journals The first telephone Drawing by Alexander Graham Bell, 1876 –(Series: Subject File, Folder: The Telephone, Drawing of the Telephone, Bell's Original, ) –used for patent – proved he was first. –(you dont need to be an artist!) 5

Leonardo DaVinci 6 A design for a flying machine, (c. 1488) Institut de France, Paris http :// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_Vinci

Excerpt from Journals of Lewis & Clark White Salmon Trout (coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch), March 16, 1806, Codex J, p. 133r

Uses by Students To organize thoughts and information To reflect To refer to later for recall, use in reporting and discussions For self-assessment To see the developmental progression of an investigation As an opportunity to work on expository writing For future study or inquiry As a resource for the creation of a final product To help develop a habit of mind

Organizational Elements Title Page –Student Name –School –Teacher Name –Class

Organizational Elements Table of Contents – a working feature –Date –Title of activity –Page number 10

Organizational Elements Organizational Features within journal –Page numbers –Date, time, location, description of weather, temperature, length of time elapse for experiment –Activity title –Headings (Hypothesis, Observations, Results, Conclusions, Reflections –Appendix Glossary 11

Tips for ease of use Keep the notebooks in one place in class Maintain a master copy of everything in the notebook Model on overhead, model in the field, model on a poster board Use post-it notes to assist in finding a page Have students use a rubric to evaluate Use a document camera to display examples of acceptable work Have students check a partners work for specific items

Uses by Teachers To identify evidence of student learning To identify students misconceptions To collect evidence of student growth over time To develop next steps for planning and teaching

14 Notebook Scoring Guide N otebook Elements 3 Exceeds expectations 2 Meets expectations 1 Below expectations 0 Unacceptable Date Time Location Title Page # Abiotic Data: Temperature Weather Soil Other Name: Notebook Page #

15 Notebook Scoring Guide No tebook Elements 3 Exceeds expectations 2 Meets expectations 1 Below expectations 0 Unacceptable SketchesAppropriate # of labeled sketches Data TableCorrect use of data table Questions Generated Open-ended question that can be investigated Vocabulary Appropriate use of vocabulary words Name: Notebook Page #

Resources ASCD, (Dec. 2006, Jan. 2007) Educational Leadership: Science in the Spotlight Calhoun, J. & Mintz, E. (2004). Project Notebook. Science and Children, Nov-Dec, Campbell, B. & Fulton, L. (2003). Science notebooks. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Gilbert, J. & Kotelman, M. (2005). Five good reasons to use science notebooks. Science and Children, 43 (3), Klentschy, M. NSTA, (2008). Using Science Notebooks in Elementary Classrooms. Shepardson, D. P., Britsch, S. J. (1997) Children's Science Journals: Tools for Teaching, Learning, and Assessing.

Resources Using Science Notebooks, Tucson Unified School District ok.html