Science notebooks will be the student’s personal record of content, experiments, inquiries, thoughts, reflections, and questions. All scientists keep detailed descriptions of their work to help clarify their learning and in order to build new discoveries. Science notebooks will be used as a resource for student learning throughout the year. Over the year the science notebook should show student growth in using process skills, thinking processes, written expression, composing questions, and formulating solutions.

All science materials should be kept in a composition notebook. No spiral notebooks are permitted. Composition notebooks must have composition notebook written on them and be bound. Students will need 3 composition notebooks. Students will turn in 2 notebooks to be held by the teacher until the subsequent quarters. The student is responsible for bringing the current science notebook to class every day. We will set up the notebook together in class using the following guidelines:

· Title Page (first page in notebook)

Student First and Last Name

Teacher Name

Class Period

Course Name & Quarter

· Table of Contents (5 pages each with the following headings)

Date (in left margin) Title (center) Page # (in right margin)

· Entries

Each right page must have the title at the very top of the page (not written on top line), page number in upper right hand corner at very top of page, and date under page number. Write titles at the very top of page so when you tape sheets in your notebook, you’ll not cover the title you’ve written.

NOTEBOOK ENTRIES: All entries in notebooks should be made in blue or black ink unless otherwise specified by teacher. All work should always be entered on the right page of the composition notebook (only write on front of paper). 

TABLE OF CONTENTS: An up-to-date Table of Contents will be posted in the room. You should up date the TOC (Table of Contents) every day when you enter class and then go to the designated pages and write the title and date while attendance is being taken. You are then prepared to begin class.

REFLECTION ON LEARNING: The left page in the composition science notebook (back of page) is reserved for your reflections on learning. Information on the left page should be written in colored red ink. One reflection is required per week. 

Notebook Guidelines

Table of Contents

(complete with date, title, and page for all assignments)

Organization

(each page has appropriate title, page number and date)

Completeness of assignments

Reflections on Learning

* minimum of 1 reflection per week

* reflection numbered as assigned, dated, topic specifically identified

* written in complete sentences, written in own words, and in red ink

* clearly demonstrates learning has occurred