Students’
Science
Notebooks
Adapted from:
Malcolm B. Butler, Ph.D.
University of South Florida St. Petersburg
Florida National Geographic University Training of Trainers
Orlando, Florida
April 7, 2011
The Science Notebook
where students can document their
scientific experiences in ways they think are
important to them….the consistency in
recording information in the science
notebooks adds more rigor for students as
they consider how the recorded
information accents their thoughts.”
“…
– Malcolm B. Butler, Ph.D.
Motivating Young Students to be Successful in Science:
Keeping it Real, Relevant and Rigorous
 Writing improves understanding of science
content and process
 Improves reading comprehension
 Provides opportunities to record observational
data and develop inquiry skills
 Emulates how scientists work and share data
How Do I Begin?
Let’s Make Our Own
Science Notebooks
Components of a
Science Notebook
 Question / Problem / Purpose
– Student generated in own words
– Relates to purpose / Big Idea
– Clear and concise
– Investigable
 Prediction
– Connects to prior experience
– Is clear and reasonable
– Relates to a question
– Gives an explanation / reason
Components of a
Science Notebook
 Planning
– Relates to investigable question
– Has clear sequence / direction
– Identifies variables / control
– States materials needed
 Data / Observations
– Relates to question and plan
– Includes student generated drawings, charts, graphs, narrative
– Organized
– Accurate
Components of a
Science Notebook
 What Have You Learned?
– Student generated; in own words
– Clear statement of what was learned
– Based on question / planning / evidence
 Next Steps / New Questions
– Student generated
– Extension / new application of original question
– Researchable or investigable
– Wow factor
– Can be recorded throughout
Recording of the Big Idea
A vocabulary list
Use Blackline Masters for Review or Introduction of Vocabulary
You have to read this one aloud!
Scientific Methods and Processes
You have to read this one aloud!
You have to read this one aloud!
National Geographic Science
Sample Inquiry/Notebook Rubric
 Notebook recording was a consistent feature of the classroom
learning activities.
 Some aspects of writing were closely monitored by teachers,
while other aspects were given little attention, especially in the
form of teacher feedback in the students’ notebooks.
 The notebooks seem to be an accurate reflection of those
aspects of inquiry that teachers attend to (promoted by the
teacher).
 In teacher feedback, little indication is given of the quality of
student thinking or understanding.
A few examples…
Big Ideas
Science Process
Science Content
Vocabulary
Content Notes and Review
Inquiry and Observations
Model, Model, Model
Teach students how to think & record
(e.g., write and draw) in their Science
Notebooks.