Science Notebooks

Five good reasons why we use Science Notebooks

Our online Science Notebooks:

1. Guide the Vital Signs inquiry process in an organized way (especially for those new to inquiry-based teaching and learning)

2. Offer a central, accessible location to keep your questions, predictions, field notes, evidence, reflections, conclusions, and evolving ideas about your investigation

3. Make your thinking visible so you can see how it changes during an investigation

4. Allow the slow release of responsibility from teacher or facilitator to student

5. Provide cross-cutting learning opportunities with other disciplines

Online Science Notebooks are accessible to registered users through your My Vital Signs page. Click "Add new notebook" and you're off!

This best practice originates with Michael Klentschy (Using Science Notebooks in Elementary Classrooms, Scaffolding Science Inquiry Through Lesson Design, Linking Science and Literacy in the K-8 Classroom). Check him out.