Why Science Journals or Notebooks?

1
Why Science Journals or Notebooks?

• Rosemary Martin
• Supporting Science, Inc.
• ssibastrop_at_hotmail.com

2
Research is verifying the achievement benefit
using science journals or notebooks.

• Purposes of a science journal
• Models the way a scientist works
• Is used daily
• Has drawings with labels
• Has notes concept maps
• Has quick graphs
• Has vocabulary work
• Has data shown in charts tables
• Has information student reflections relating to
  classroom/home science investigations

3
Lewis Clarks data, and sketches
4
Leonardo de Vincis notes sketches
This manuscript is on paper bound in morocco
leather, containing 238 pages of various sizes
that had been cut and removed from other
manuscripts. The collection deals with a variety
of different subjects including studies in
geometry, weights and architecture. Most of the
pages can be dated to between 1480 and 1518.
5
Leonardo de Vincis notes sketches
'On the Flight of Birds'This collection
includes 17 pages (measuring 21 x 15 cm) out of
the original 18. It deals primarily with the
flight of birds, which Leonardo analyzed with a
very rigorous approach, paying particular
attention to the mechanics of flight, as well as
to air resistance, winds and currents. The pages
can be dated to approximately 1505.
6
Benjamin Franklins three wheel clock sketches
Franklin invented a 24-hour, three-wheel clock
that was much simpler than most clock designs of
the time. Franklin's clock, like others from that
period, only had one hand. Minute hands were not
added to clocks until later. Franklin biographer
Carl Van Doren describes this invention as "a
curious clock, economical but not quite
practical." In 1758, Franklin's friend, James
Ferguson, improved the clock, much to Franklin's
pleasure.
7
Thomas Edison
8
The first page is a title page (like a book).
You decide your own title.
9
Guidelines to help you make your journal are
placed inside the front cover
10
Make 2 or more pages after the title page a Table
of Contents (like a book)

• Make columns for
• Date
• Entry
• Page

This helps you find an entry fast when you need it
11
Decide how you will number and use the pages

• If you decide to number fronts only you will have
  space on the back facing page to return to an
  entry to add additional information when needed.
• Number pages in the upper corner. Number several
  pages to start.
• Record your entries on your Table of Contents as
  you fill pages.

12
GEMS Agenda-at-a-Glance

• Glue a copy of the Agenda-at-a-Glance as your
  first entry
• List it in your Table of Contents

13
Things to remember

• Having a sample journal to show as a visual when
  you introduce journals is important.
• If students record in a way that has meaning for
  them, they feel more ownership of their
  journal.
• Journals become a useful reference in student
  discussions, reviewing, studying, etc.
• Journals show evidence of student learning over
  time.

14
Why composition books work well

• They are different from spirals (kids perceive
  spirals as ordinary).
• The paper is sturdy and kids are less likely to
  rip out pages.
• No wires to get tangled when you stack them.
• Wal-mart/Target-58 (school supply season)
• Dollar storesas many as 10 for 1.

15
An easy how to guide for student journaling

• How to start
• How to teach technical drawing
• How to monitor journaling growth
• Buy on-line at www.nsta.org or other bookstores

by Campbell Fulton ISBN 0-325-00568-0