1. The Interactive Notebook
Introduction to how to set up a journal for the Science classroom

2. Purpose of the Science IAN (Interactive Notebook)
Scientific vocabulary
Descriptive, complete notes/explanations
All steps of labs identified correctly
Accurate explanations
Diagrams and illustrations that depict what students learn
Problem-solving descriptions
Project or experiment ideas
Brain Activators (Sponges)-daily reflection
It enables students to be creative, independent thinkers and writers
The notebook will be a useful resource to constantly refer to when it comes time to review and refresh what was learned

3. Materials Needed Spiral or Composition notebook with ruled white paper
Loose leaf notebook paper (to be cut to journal size for gluing in extra pages)
2 different color highlighters (optional)
Pencil, black and/or blue pens (optional)
Colored pencils
Glue stick
You will have to replenish materials as needed.

4. How is the Science IAN Organized?
A running “Table of Contents” that is identical to the “Class Table of Contents.”
Every page will be pre-numbered, so students will not be able to tear out sheets of paper
Each entry will have student’s full name, date, period, and lesson title.
Right Side = Input from Teacher/Class notes
Left Side = Output and Creative/Student notes
When extra paper is needed, use loose leaf paper to add to the notebook by gluing a strip at the top margin.

5. How to Grade the Science IAN
A grade may be taken from the notebook either through a teacher, self or peer grade.
Notebooks may be “peer” graded for completeness and creativity using a rubric.
An IMPORTANT part of the notebook is its “Visual Appearance.” Keep it titled, dated, ORGANIZED and NEAT.
REMEMBER, students are responsible for keeping up with their notebook and bringing it to class every day if they take it home for study.

6. Let’s Put One Together
Use the handout to make copies of the student organization pages.
Cut out and glue the Expectations to the first RIGHT page of the Journal near the bottom of the page.
Cut and glue the Guidelines to the first RIGHT page of the journal with a thin strip of glue near the top of the page.
It will become a flip up sheet.
Gluing the guidelines into the journal can be optional for your students, but it does help with clear expectations if they have it to refer to. Parents can also see the guidelines and know what is expected.

7. Page I
Expectations sheet is completely glued to the page and placed at the bottom of the page so space is left to glue the Guidelines sheet at the top as a flip-up sheet.

8. To Reduce/Enlarge for Composition Journal Size
If your students use the Composition size journals, you may have to reduce the size of the printed page before copying. When you go to print, click on the properties button on the print screen and then click on the page layout tab. You can then specify the percentage of reduction and the page will print to the right size. You can now just use the copier at regular size with out having to reduce.

9. Page II Page III Rubrics Score sheet
You could glue both score sheets on the same page as a flip up like the guidelines page if you want to put both semesters in the same journal.
Rubrics
Score sheet

10. Page IV Page V Parking Lot Parent Input
Parking lot is for questions that students think of and need to ask. Parent input is for when students have to explain what they did in class and need a parent signature.
Parking Lot
Parent Input

11. Page VI Page VII
The Left Side
The Right Side

12. Page VIII Page IX Quick Write –Get the Picture
You will come back to the quick write page after the journal is set up.
Example of what to say to students:
Quick Write (3-5 min.) Okay, one out of the many activities we can do on the left side is a quick write. This is where you write as much as you can about a given topic. Don’t worry about punctuation, spelling, and grammar. I want you to write as much as you can about the interactive notebook, how it is set up, what is expected, how it is graded, whatever you can remember. I’ll give you three minutes to try and fill up ½ the page.
Share (2min. ) Share with your partner what you wrote.
Revisit Quick Write (2 min.)) I’m going to give you one minute to add to your quick write. Did your partner write down something that you did not? Then, add it to your quick write.
Graphic (10 min.) Another activity that we can do on the left side of our journals is a “Get the Picture.” This is where you get a visual of the topic and you represent that visual as a colored drawing in your journal.
What I would like you to do on the left side (VIII) is draw me a graphic, a picture(s) that show(s) your understanding of the Interactive Journal and what is supposed to go on the left side vs. the right side. Your graphic should include at least 3 colors (black and white) don’t count. I’m giving you 15 minutes to complete this assignment. Remember, these left side activities are your creativity. So, everyone’s graphics/pictures should be different.
Quick Write –Get the Picture
Left Side Activities flip pages

13. Page X Page 1 Nature of Science Table of Contents
-Possible activity for the “Title Page”-
What do you think of when you think of science? I want two graphics, 4 colors minimum, related to science.
You will come back to page X later. This is for the Unit title page. You could change this to page 2 and Leave page X blank or use it for something else. The Table of contents page is divided into three columns: Left page and #, Right Page and # and Date.
Table of Contents

14. Inside Front Cover Name, Science Teacher, Period, School, Grade
Come up with some introductory activity to do with the students so they may decorate their journal.
Ideas: Your favorite science topic, your pets, your hobbies, three facts about your family, what you want to do when you are grown, which college will you go to? Etc…You must include at least two pictures and three facts or write a short introductory paragraph telling me about you.
You must use at least four colors.
Use a timer and give them about 10 minutes OR assign this as homework
This Inside front cover page could be assigned as homework for the first day so that students have to go home and explain the journal to their parents and get their first signature. This will allow them a little more time to be creative.

15. Things You Can Add or Tweak for Your Own Class
Class procedures and rules
5 Essential Features of Science
Leave out the Guidelines from the student journals
Add in your own rubrics
Leave off the parking lot or Parent Input
Use the last 25 pages (front and back) for a class glossary and as research pages for the year long project.