SCIENCE INTERACTIVE STUDENT NOTEBOOK
WHAT IS AN “INTERACTIVE STUDENT NOTEBOOK”?
A major part of your 7th grade Science experience will be the Interactive Student Notebook (ISN).
It will be your most important tool as you work your way through the school year. IT must be
brought to class daily and kept up to date.
Your ISN will allow you to record information and process it to improve your level of
understanding. As you learn new facts and ideas, you will use several types of writing and graphic
techniques to record them on the right side of the notebook. Then you will do something with
these facts and ideas on the left side of the notebook. The process will give you a deeper
understanding of what you are learning and will help you on tests, quizzes, and assessments.
WHAT GOES IN MY “ISN”?
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Key ideas, facts, definitions, etc.
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Directed Reading Worksheets
Vocabulary and definitions
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Labs
Cartoons sketches that summarize main ideas and concepts
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Arrows that show cause and effect
YOUR ISN IS DIVIDED BY “RIGHT” AND “LEFT” PAGES:
“RIGHT SIDE PAGES” (Even numbered pages): This is the “input” side of the notebook. Here
you will record notes and other “testable” information. Consider this the place to write what you
are taught.
“LEFT SIDE PAGES” (Odd numbered pages): This is the “output” side of the notebook. Here you
will use illustrations, drawings, charts, and other CRISS strategies to help you process and
understand information. Think of this the place to show what you learned.
“Write on the right, draw on the left.”
SETTING UP YOUR ISN
Please be sure to include the following on the cover: A picture that is science related, your name
and advisory, the grade and course (7th grade Science) and the year. It is strongly recommended
that you cover your ISN with packaging tape to protect it all year long.
Number all pages in the lower outside corner, starting with page 1.
A Title Page that is a copy of your cover belongs on page 3.
“ABOUT THE AUTHOR” will be on pages 5-8. Detailed information will be given in class. Be
sure to include pictures.
TABLE OF CONTENTS will begin on page 9.
HOW IS THE ISN GRADED?
You will glue a rubric into the back of your ISN that gives you details about how you can earn the
maximum number of points, 500 points. Your ISN will be graded each quarter.
WHAT SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED FOR THE ISN?
EACH DAY YOU MUST BRING:
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ISN
Your pencil box or bag with glue and colored pencils (NO MARKERS)
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Liquid glue. Glue sticks don’t work well.
PLEASE REMEMBER… Your ISN is worth 500 points each quarter, so it is important that
you do not lose your ISN and that it is kept up-to-date. If you do lose your ISN, see Ms.
Winter right away.