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.

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!

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.

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.