Science Notebooks
A science notebook is a detailed record of a student's engagement with natural phenomena. It is a personal representation of experiences, observations, and thinking- an integral part of the process of doing scientific work. A science notebook is a continuously updated history of the development of scientific knowledge and reasoning. DoDEA students are young scientists, notebooks must be embedded into their science learning.
A science notebook is a detailed record of a student's engagement with natural phenomena. It is a personal representation of experiences, observations, and thinking- an integral part of the process of doing scientific work. A science notebook is a continuously updated history of the development of scientific knowledge and reasoning. DoDEA students are young scientists, notebooks must be embedded into their science learning.
Copy of CSI Day Science Notebook (March 12).pptxScience Notebooks: Citing Evidence Through Scientific Reasoning
Science Notebooks: Citing Evidence Through Scientific Reasoning
CSI Day March 12, 2021
CSI Day March 12, 2021
Science Notebooks in FOSS
Science Notebooks in FOSS
This FOSS Science Notebook information can be found in your Teacher Resource Guide and on the FOSSweb site.
This FOSS Science Notebook information can be found in your Teacher Resource Guide and on the FOSSweb site.
This FOSS Science Notebook information can be found in your Teacher Resource Guide and on the FOSSweb site.
This FOSS Science Notebook information can be found in your Teacher Resource Guide and on the FOSSweb site.
“I started science notebooks, and to my surprise, it’s going exceptionally well! Yes, many kids have glued their plant observation sheets out of order, many forgot to date them, and some sheets went missing. However, they have all worked very hard and are understanding that learning to be a good scientist is a process! Just as I needed the time to learn the benefits of digging deep into FOSS, they need time to grow as well."
“I started science notebooks, and to my surprise, it’s going exceptionally well! Yes, many kids have glued their plant observation sheets out of order, many forgot to date them, and some sheets went missing. However, they have all worked very hard and are understanding that learning to be a good scientist is a process! Just as I needed the time to learn the benefits of digging deep into FOSS, they need time to grow as well."
Ms. Meagan O’Brien, 1st Grade Teacher at Netzaberg Elementary (2018)
Ms. Meagan O’Brien, 1st Grade Teacher at Netzaberg Elementary (2018)
If looking to improve student science notebooks, talk to your School Science POC to check out these books
If looking to improve student science notebooks, talk to your School Science POC to check out these books
“My expectations for science notebooks has changed since initially implementing them into my classroom. My students honestly blew me away and exceeded my expectations throughout this process. It made me realize how much I would have been limiting their ability to show me their depth of knowledge about science if I had just given them worksheets for assessment. I was amazed at how they used their notebooks to record, share, and discuss their findings with classmates.”
“My expectations for science notebooks has changed since initially implementing them into my classroom. My students honestly blew me away and exceeded my expectations throughout this process. It made me realize how much I would have been limiting their ability to show me their depth of knowledge about science if I had just given them worksheets for assessment. I was amazed at how they used their notebooks to record, share, and discuss their findings with classmates.”
Ms. Sara Delrosa, 1st Grade Grafenwoehr Elementary (2020)
Ms. Sara Delrosa, 1st Grade Grafenwoehr Elementary (2020)
The Powerful Effects of Drawing on Learning
The Powerful Effects of Drawing on Learning
Research shows that drawing increases connections in the brain to support deeper understanding. Encourage drawing when using science notebooks!
Research shows that drawing increases connections in the brain to support deeper understanding. Encourage drawing when using science notebooks!
Science Notebook Organization Tip
Science Notebook Organization Tip
Created by Sheree Hatchet at Landstuhl Elementary
Created by Sheree Hatchet at Landstuhl Elementary
“I believe the science notebooks are as necessary for learning as the materials provided in the investigation.”
“I believe the science notebooks are as necessary for learning as the materials provided in the investigation.”
Vernice Vasquez, 3rd Grade Teacher at Smith Elementary (2020)
Vernice Vasquez, 3rd Grade Teacher at Smith Elementary (2020)
Seesaw and Science
Seesaw and Science
Explore seesaw to create interactive science notebooks (could be any content area). A Place where students are empowered to collaborate, communicate, create and critically think about their science learning.
Explore seesaw to create interactive science notebooks (could be any content area). A Place where students are empowered to collaborate, communicate, create and critically think about their science learning.
Recorded Europe East Professional Learning Day Session and PowerPoint (May 6, 2020)
Recorded Europe East Professional Learning Day Session and PowerPoint (May 6, 2020)
Science Notebook Samples
Science Notebook Samples
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Ms. Zoe Houtz, from Smith Elementary models for students using pictures and words.
Ms. Zoe Houtz, from Smith Elementary models for students using pictures and words.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Click on sample for a closer view.
Click on sample for a closer view.
These are science notebook examples from a kindergarten class in Sembach Elementary. After the investigation, the class had a sense-making discussion reinforcing the science vocabulary. The teacher recorded the students' response to the focus question on chart paper. Students then had a choice to copy one or both of the sentences, or to create a sentence of their own into their science notebook. Students also drew pictures of their observations. Students loved sharing their experience! Go Science!
These are science notebook examples from a kindergarten class in Sembach Elementary. After the investigation, the class had a sense-making discussion reinforcing the science vocabulary. The teacher recorded the students' response to the focus question on chart paper. Students then had a choice to copy one or both of the sentences, or to create a sentence of their own into their science notebook. Students also drew pictures of their observations. Students loved sharing their experience! Go Science!
First Grade
First Grade
Click on sample for a closer view.
Click on sample for a closer view.
2nd Grade
2nd Grade
Click on sample for a closer view.
Click on sample for a closer view.
3rd Grade
3rd Grade
Click on sample for a closer view.
Click on sample for a closer view.
IMG_7038.MOV
Mrs. Jamie Espinosa, a 3rd grade teacher at Ramstein Intermediate shares her experience using science notebooks.
Mrs. Jamie Espinosa, a 3rd grade teacher at Ramstein Intermediate shares her experience using science notebooks.
4th & 5th Grade
4th & 5th Grade
Click on sample for a closer view.
Click on sample for a closer view.
“Students use science vocabulary right from the start of the investigations. Because it is reinforced in the student text and interactive presentations, there are many opportunities to see and hear scientific language being used. This exposure creates a climate in which students feel comfortable using accurate words to describe their observations.”
“Students use science vocabulary right from the start of the investigations. Because it is reinforced in the student text and interactive presentations, there are many opportunities to see and hear scientific language being used. This exposure creates a climate in which students feel comfortable using accurate words to describe their observations.”
Anne Short, 5th Grade Teacher at Ramstein Intermediate School (2018)
Anne Short, 5th Grade Teacher at Ramstein Intermediate School (2018)
