2. Why Science Notebooks? Part III – Components of a Journal Entry
SCIENCE NOTEBOOKS
Why Science Notebooks? Part III – Components of a Journal Entry
This presentation shares information about science notebook strategies and lessons learned from school districts in the Washington State LASER Alliances as well as those districts in El Centro and Pasadena, California and Gilbert, Arizona..
* You will see the words notebook & Journal used interchangeably
This presentation describes why scientists use notebooks and how you will set up your own for the coming year.
WSTA Presentation October 2006

3. Components of Science Journal Entry
We will use one or more of these components in our Science Journal during Labs & Experiments
Questions, Problem, Purpose
Prediction
Developing a Plan
Observations, Data & Visuals
Claims and Evidence
Drawing Conclusions
Reflection - Next steps & New Questions

4. Questions, Problem, Purpose
Scientists begin an investigation with a question or problem to solve.
What do I want to find out?
What is the reason for my question?
What problem am I addressing?
We call this the Focus Question (FQ) or Objective
Sometimes you will be given the FQ and sometimes you will create your own
The questions should be investigable (you can’t simple answer with a “yes” or “no”)

5. SCIENCE NOTEBOOKS www.sciencenotebooks.org
Prediction
Statement about something that will occur in the future
Conditional statement
_____ will happen because…
If ________then _______ because….
You must state what you think will happen and provide a reason or explanation for what will happen based on prior knowledge
Hypothesis is slightly different – statement based on analysis of data or events that have occurred in the past (i.e. Weather patterns / temperature leading to global warming)
WSTA Presentation October 2006

6. Developing a Plan
Detailing a course of action to obtain data for the investigation
Identify variables and controls
Create a plan with a clear order (sequence) of steps to be taken
Sometimes you will be given a plan (procedure) and other times you will create your own.
Also includes materials to be used and data collection organizer

7. Observations, Data & Visuals
Findings you collect during your investigation. This includes:
Written observations
Data Tables
Visuals
Charts /Graphs
Drawings & illustrations
May involve any of the 5 senses
Quantitative and Qualitative

8. Claims and Evidence
A scientific claim is made by you, the scientist based on systematic observation and evidence
Observations, data and visuals are collected to make sense or meaning from the investigation.
These are your EVIDENCE!
All claims must be supported by evidence

9. Drawing Conclusions
A recording of what was learned during the investigation
Links the claim and the evidence together
One of the most difficult sections
Requires putting different pieces of information together , looking for patterns
Don’t

10. Reflection: Next Steps & New Questions
This section allows you to think
back on the investigation and
what you observed.
Look back to your initial question & prediction and either affirm or revise it
What questions remain unanswered?
What new questions do you have?