Browse these lessons to learn the basics of setting up science notebooks with your students. Once routines are in place, explore our other sections to learn more strategies for deepening your students’ learning.
Browse these lessons to learn the basics of setting up science notebooks with your students. Once routines are in place, explore our other sections to learn more strategies for deepening your students’ learning.
Students receive their science notebooks and take the time to make them their own.
Students peruse sample pages from the notebooks of many different scientists.
What are some strategies for allowing your students to share the content in their science notebooks?
Students insert a Table of Contents, number the pages, and complete their first reflective entry.
What makes a good scientific sketch? You can teach this lesson even if you think you can’t draw!
Use “windowpanes” to take stock of materials at the beginning of an investigative unit.
Lay the foundation for sketching by explicitly teaching the following techniques.
The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to explore, explain, and sustain life.
Dive into science content, engage in effective teaching pedagogy, and develop a sense of how science really works.
Setting aside time for reflection allows your students to recognize their own learning. The process of reflecting also helps the learning stick. Fill your teacher toolbox with prompts and strategies that promote reflection on both the content and the practice of science.
Learn how science notebooks can help your students plan and carry out hands-on investigations. From collecting data to constructing explanations, using notebooks can solicit and deepen your students’ thinking.
Explore this section to learn the basics of setting up science notebooks with your students.
Sample our easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your classroom or home!
Check out our clearinghouse of images from student notebooks. For tips, strategies and lesson-plans, explore the rest of Science Notebook Corner.
Taking notes in science doesn’t mean just copying what’s on the board. Learn how students can make their own meaning, from drawing concept maps to unpacking complex vocabulary. These strategies will support your students before, after, and in-between hands-on investigations.
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SciTech Institute is a collaborative initiative with the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Technology Council Foundation.