How to Create an Interactive Science Notebook (ISN)

Have you ever heard yourself say… I can’t find my notes, homework, or old quizzes. I cannot remember what we did in class yesterday. I am sure it is in my locker…my book bag…my room…maybe… I was absent last week, did I miss anything???

Well, here is your answer: Interactive Science Notebook! An ISN is like your own personalized DIARY of learning about science. A portfolio of your work in ONE convenient spot. This is great for studying for upcoming quizzes and tests. A great ORGANIZATIONAL tool that gives you permission to be playful and creative in your responses without “messing up” your notes. Allows you to act like a REAL SCIENTIST!

Real Scientists Use Notebooks

Real Scientists Use Notebooks

Left Side vs. Right Side: It’s Decided. The notebook is divided into TWO sections. Left Side = Student Output Right Side = Teacher Input The left side LOVES student work. This is the side that you can use to show me your creativity. This is the “output” or product side. The right side is RESTRICTED to teacher “input” and contains only information given by Ms. Yearwood. Nothing else should be placed on the right side.

What goes where? Left Side: Student Output Lots of color The brain remembers things in color better Right Side: Teacher Input/Content Blue or black ink/pencil Concept maps Drawings Reflective writing Questions Data and graphs Songs Poems Data from experiments Cartoons or cartoon strips Information given in class Lecture notes Lab activities Video notes Summaries Textbook notes Procedures for experiments Classroom specific information

Getting Started: Step 1 On the cover, write your name, grade, and period number. Then, draw a diagram of something that reminds you of earth, life, or physical science. (Choose science type based on class.)

Step 2 Starting with the first page, number the first 50 pages. Numbers should be small and at the top outside corner of every page.

Step 3 At the top of pages 3, 4, and 5, write Table of Contents. Divide each page into 3 columns, date, description, and page #. (Skip pages 1 and 2)

Step 4 Add the following questions on page 2. You will use these as open response questions.

Notebook Rules: No ripped out pages or torn corners No doodling that does not relate to science Notebook should only be used for science class Date and number every page All entries must go into the Table of Contents Be colorful and love your notebook!