Why Science Journals or Interactive Notebooks? Rosemary Martin Supporting Science, Inc.

Research has verified the achievement benefit of using science journals or notebooks. Purposes of a science journal –Models the way a scientist works –Is used daily to reflect on learning –Has drawings with labels –Has notes & concept maps –Has quick graphs –Has vocabulary work –Has data shown in charts & tables –Has information & student reflections relating to classroom/home science investigations –Increases student writing

Lewis & Clark’s data, and sketches

This manuscript is on paper bound in morocco leather, containing 238 pages of various sizes that had been cut and removed from other manuscripts. The collection deals with a variety of different subjects including studies in geometry, weights and architecture. Most of the pages can be dated to between 1480 and Leonardo de Vinci’s notes & sketches

'On the Flight of Birds' This collection includes 17 pages (measuring 21 x 15 cm) out of the original 18. It deals primarily with the flight of birds, which Leonardo analyzed with a very rigorous approach, paying particular attention to the mechanics of flight, as well as to air resistance, winds and currents. The pages can be dated to approximately Leonardo de Vinci’s notes & sketches

Franklin invented a 24-hour, three-wheel clock that was much simpler than most clock designs of the time. Franklin's clock, like others from that period, only had one hand. Minute hands were not added to clocks until later. Franklin biographer Carl Van Doren describes this invention as "a curious clock, economical but not quite practical." In 1758, Franklin's friend, James Ferguson, improved the clock, much to Franklin's pleasure. Benjamin Franklin’s three wheel clock sketches

Thomas Edison

Student Journals or Interactive Notebooks are personalized.

Guidelines to using the journal are typically placed inside the front cover

Teachers set up notebooks to meet the needs of their students. Some use a table of contents(like a book).

Right side-Left side Many teachers use a right side/left side note booking technique Input goes on the right: notes from lecture, text reading, vocabulary, sample problems. This is the new information students are supposed to learn. Output goes on the left side: brainstorming, concept maps, data/graphs, reflection writing, analogies, drawings. This work exemplifies student understanding of the new information.

Keep in mind If students record in a way that has meaning for them, they feel more “ownership” of their journal. Journals become a useful reference in student discussions, reviewing for assessments, studying, etc. Journals show evidence of student learning over time.

Why composition books work well They are different from spirals (kids perceive spirals as ordinary). The paper is sturdy and kids are less likely to rip out pages. No wires to get tangled when you stack them. Wal-mart/Target-usually have lowest price Dollar stores–sometimes available

The power of a processing When students are provided a daily opportunity to reflect on what they are learning, they are more likely to deeply understand the content. When this reflection is written or drawn by the student, the information becomes imprinted in their brain and learning flourishes.