The Importance of Science Notebooks

I will help my students meet my expectations for my notebook format and use by utilizing the notebook for every aspect of science. I will motivate my students by insisting on creative entries and independent thoughts. I believe that students should be encouraged to record their own thoughts and observations which cannot be graded solely on correctness. In order to teach my students in the notebooks use, I will follow the same approach (the scientific method) for each lesson following it in order. I plan to teach the students based on the 5E model, using the notebook as the instructional tool.

Science notebooks promote literacy of all different degrees. In terms of oral communication, science notebooks are ideal in order for students to “…discuss ideas with partners, in small groups, and/or with the entire class.” The science notebook is a great tool to promote articulation and peer brainstorming out loud. Most activities are followed out by writing; oral communication puts a creative and effective twist on learning.

Science notebooks promote written communication through recording thoughts and data post observation. Science notebooks are a great tool for practicing written communication because it “…encourages students to synthesize their thinking in order to share it with others.” Students need to be able to learn how to record their thoughts and observations first before sharing and learning from others.

Science notebooks also promote reading development. Not only do students re-read their own written recordings and observations, but they need to read other sources in order to prove their recordings accurate or not. The science notebooks positively push students to accomplish further reading, which builds a better reader.

Lastly, the science notebook also promotes vocabulary development. I agree with the text that, “Notebooks should not become a place where students copy vocabulary words along with their definitions.” I find that in order for science notebooks to promote vocabulary growth, teachers must encourage the use of those words through their oral and written communication, describing their own findings. Using the words in context and understanding its meaning is the most effective tool of instruction for vocabulary.

Science notebooks stand as a great device that can be used in the classroom in order to create well rounded students that are exemplary at oral communication, written communication, reading and vocabulary.