Working with a science notebook

The science notebook is an important analogue tool for pupils of all ages. In it they write and draw observations, questions, assumptions, plans for experiments and evaluations. In doing so, they build up their own knowledge of a subject area and, more importantly, a personal relationship to it.

A typical entry in the science notebook: A study of the plant biodiversity on a rock wall in France.

Here are the most important rules for keeping a science notebook:

1. Each entry must be dated and include the exact location. It is best to record the location using coordinates.

2. Drawings should be fully labelled. A scale should be provided.

3. Describe all activities and observations in as much detail as possible using words and sentences.

In this video: Examples of science notebooks, how to write an entry, how to work with it in the classroom.