The Basics

Scientists use notebooks in the ways listed below:

• Write down information and questions
• Record data from investigations
• Make drawings of investigations
• Make graphs, tables, and charts to organize information
• Reflect on experiences and identify new concepts

The following rules will help you create an interesting and informative notebook to show what you have experienced and learned in science:

• Write or print neat and legibly
• Title and date each entry to help remind you of the topic
• Keep a table of contents
• Number the pages
• Erase mistake or mark through them with one line- do not scribble or scratch out
• Label all drawings clearly
• Use sentences to communicate your observations, plans, explanations, and conclusions
• Create a 'resources' section (optional)
• Create a glossary
• Do not tear out pages from your science notebook

Some sentence starters you may want to try:

• I wonder...
• I was really surprised when...
• This relates to...
• What if...
• This reminds me of...
• Could the outcome be changed if...
• I expect to see...