Creating the Science Notebook

A page from one of Charles Darwin’s notebooks.

What is the purpose of a science notebook?

• Brainstorm with your group… How will keeping a science notebook help you?

• A science notebook…• helps with organization• is a good reference tool• can be used as a study guide• helps develop writing skills

Materials to get started…

• A blank notebook

• Scissors

• Glue sticks or liquid glue

• Colored pencils

• A pencil

Let’s get started…

• Write your name on the front cover of your notebook.

Open your notebook to the first page.

• This is the Title Page.• Write:

Science NotebookYour NameThe School Year

• You have five minutes to decorate this page.

The Table of Contents• The next three pages are for a table of contents.

• Each activity we complete and put in the science notebook will be listed in the Table of Contents.

• In what way is a table of contents useful?

Processes for Descriptive Investigations

• This page explains the process skills you will be using as you conduct investigations.

• You have been using these skills since you were in Kindergarten, but this page is a good reference .

Tools• As you are putting these pages into the notebook, it

should be mentioned that these are the tools you will learn how to use.

• Are there any you already know how to use?

• Put a small checkmark (in pencil) above the name of the tools you already knowhow to use.

Safety Contract and Safety Rules

The top portion of the contract- the part with the science class safety expectations- will get glued in the science notebook.

What I know About Science Safety• Add the Handout: What I know About Science

Safety into your science notebook.• This is the first activity for this year’s science

notebook!

Measurement

• We will measure objects and organisms throughout the year.

• What are some units of measurement you remember from earlier grades?

• We will be working with this page throughout the year.

• When we complete an activity that involves measurement, remember to come back to this page and add new information.

Other pages

• Count out about 6–10 pages at the back of the notebook for a science glossary. Important academic science vocabulary can be recorded here.

• Create a pocket at the back to hold a ruler.