WHAT’S NEXT : IN SCIENCE INSTRUCTION TLC Summer 2013

There’s No Substitute for the Real Thing! Procedure: Powerful way to advocate for time to engage in hands-on learning Groups each receive an orange Each group records what they observe about the orange using their five senses Each group reports out the number they generated in four minutes Materials: Need real oranges Orange models Picture of orange Word “orange” written on sentence strip Report out after each section Keep a running tally of the number of words generated on chart paper for each group Discuss what happens when you move from concrete to abstract 3

orange

Interactive Notebooks Your Guide to using Interactive Notebooks

Essential Question: EQ: How do I use interactive notebooks to engage students and maximize learning in my classroom? Today we will share information to support the use of science notebooks, and strategies to use notebooks to integrate reading, writing, mathematics, and science.

What are Interactive Notebooks? Interactive Science notebooks are individualized student journals where students develop, practice, and refine their science understanding, while also enhancing reading, writing, mathematics and communications.

Why Interactive Notebooks? As teachers involve students in inquiry-based science investigations, the need to communicate science learning in new ways has become evident. If students are encouraged to communicate their understanding of concepts through science notebook writings, these notebooks can be an effective strategy to help students learn science. Research has shown that science notebook writing may also be a way for students to strengthen their language skills as they develop an understanding of the world around them. Science notebooks allow teachers to assess students' understanding and provide the feedback students need for improving their performance.

No one “Right” way! Just like writing a story…there are any number of procedures, techniques, components, and elements to use when creating interactive notebooks with your students. They should be a reflection of your classroom and style of teaching & learning

Basic Notebook Set Up: Personalized Unit Title Page Table of Contents Each student’s notebook should be unique! They may have similar assignments, but they should “LOOK” different! Say “No!” to cookie cutter notebooks! Personalized Unit Title Page Table of Contents Standards Unit EQ’s Vocabulary Activities Graphic Organizers Foldables The list goes on…

Matter Table of Contents Options: New TOC for each unit Or 2. One TOC by unit Matter Brainstorm p. 23 Pre-Assessment p. 24 GPS Standards p. 25 Standards Unpacked p. 25- 26 States of Matter Foldable p. 27 Chem/Phys Changes T-chart p. 29

Science Notebook Table of Contents Options: New TOC for each unit Or 2. One TOC by unit Rocks & Minerals p. 4 Fossils p. 22 Soils p. 34 Habitats p. 41 Magnets p. 60 Heat p. 68 Conservation & Recycling p. 87

Basic Entry Organizational Features… July 11, 2011 Basic Entry Organizational Features… Leaf Observation tip – 1 point Date each entry 2. List the Activity Title or Heading 3. Number every page in the book – in PEN! veins smooth edges stem Page #

Types of Entries Drawings Tables, Charts, & Graphs Graphic Organizers Notes & Practice Problems Reflective & Analytical Entries Inserts Investigations Foldables

What do they look like?

How is the Notebook assessed? There are multiple assessment options: Formatively Progress monitoring daily/weekly/spot check Provide commentary about a concept or written response Summatively using a rubric Individual assignments basis Selected sections assessed for conventions

EQ: Pre/Post Assessment

Sticky Vocabulary

Words of Advice… The process can be challenging Takes a bit of patience Requires modeling, modeling, modeling Must consistently be reinforced Learning curve for both the teacher and the students

Benefits over time… Notebooks become a portfolio on individual learning and a record of each student’s growth. Teachers, students, and parents can review a student’s progress in writing, recording, thinking, and organization skills.

How Do I Get Started? At least one month in advance, identify a subject and concept with which to begin As you plan your upcoming unit of study, create a model interactive notebook your would like your students to create. Identify necessary concepts, materials, and procedures you are going to use.

What Students Need… The notebook-loose leaf paper in a three pronged folder, spiral notebook, or composition book Pencils, crayons, markers Glue stick or tape Scissors Paper, graphic organizers, assessments, etc… Grading expectations