1. Our Interactive Science Notebooks will be an integral part of our science journey this year.
By using notebooks, students model one of the most vital and enduring functions of scientists in all
disciplines – recording information, figures, and data. Scientists across the world record their observations,
data, and conclusions, as well as comments on their research, readings and reflections. They rely on their
notes, figures and diagrams when sharing their findings with colleagues and when preparing papers to share
their work with the scientific community. The notebooks of famous scientists such as Galileo and Einstein
have become part of the world’s cultural heritage.
A second reason for maintaining a Science Interactive Notebook is that it provides the student with a ready
reference for each unit as well as a resource to consult when reviewing materials at the end of the unit.
Keeping a notebook enhances students’ writing skills. It gives them practice in organizing material and in
expressing themselves clearly. At the same time, notebook writing can encourage students to connect
science with other areas of the curriculum. An Interactive Science Notebook also encourages creativity.
Extensions in the notebook can include any of the following; poems; cartoon drawings; figure drawings;
stories; songs; and notes from research on any given topic. Another advantage of the notebooks is that they
get students more involved in science. Students assume ownership of their notebooks. Students are required
to bring their notebooks with them to science class daily, to add work and review their notes. With each
new entry, their sense of pride in what they have accomplished grows. Their confidence in science learning,
as well as in their overall knowledge and skills, also grows. They are becoming life-long learners. Lastly,
the science notebook offers the teacher a unique means of assessing student progress in the classroom. The
notebook, beginning with the first lesson of the unit and continuing to its conclusion, is a tool that can be
used to assess the growth in students’ understanding of science as well as in their ability to summarize and
express their thoughts and feelings. So in actuality the notebook is a portfolio that students can share with
their parents and for teachers to have a cumulative record of their learning.
How does the notebook work?
Right Side “input” Pages: The right side is where common information is recorded that all
students must know. This is where you will find information that will be on the test. The right side
provides an opportunity for the teacher to model for students how to think graphically and how to
organize information.
Left Side “output” Pages: The left side is where students interact with and interpret right side
information into graphics, other writing forms, new ideas, and questions. The left side stresses that
just copying lecture notes is not learning. Students must internalize and re-express the information
in another format on the left side.
Page Set-Up
Left Page-Output
Student Involvement (Showing Understanding and
Creativity)
The LEFT page demonstrates YOUR understanding
of the information from the left side page. Clearly,
just by writing down lecture notes does not mean you
will have learned the information. You must actively
do something with the information before you
internalize it. Therefore, you will work with the
concepts you LEARNED (on the RIGHT side), and
REFLECT with the information in creative, unique,
and individual ways (on the LEFT side). You can do
this by using illustrations, diagrams, poetry, colors,
cartoons, etc. You will also explore your opinions
and clarify your values on controversial issues,
wonder about “what if” hypothetical situations, and
ask questions about new ideas. The LEFT side helps
focus your attention and guides your learning of the
science content and concepts.Always use color and
organize information… It helps the brain learn!
Right Page-Input
Teacher Involvement (Given Information)
The RIGHT spiral page is used for recording
class notes, discussion notes, and reading notes.
Typically, all “testable” information is found
here. The RIGHT side is also an excellent place
for the teacher to model how to think graphically
by using illustrated outlines, flow charts, and
other graphic organizers.

2. LEFT- SIDE EXAMPLES
Brainstorming
Concept Maps
Foldables
Graphic Organizers
Diagrams
Poems, Songs, Raps
Cartoons/Caricatures
Flashcard pockets
Metaphors
3-2-1 Reviews
Worksheets
Self reflections
Lab Analysis and Conclusions
Class work or teamwork activities
Outcome sentences:I learned…I
wonder…The important thing about…I am
surprised that…I rediscovered
Connections
Questions
Process Description
“Wanted” Posters (famous people)
Eulogy (famous people)
Graphs
Notes from research on topic
Lab Reflections (how could I have done that
differently?)
Mnemonic devices
RIGHT -SIDE EXAMPLES
Notes o Cool Powerpoint o
Movie/Video o Articles o Textook
Vocabulary words
Lab procedures
Data from Experiments
Worksheet Assignment
Textbook Assignment
Small/Large Group Discussion
The Process
Remember ALL work pages ..
1. are NUMBERED
2. DATED
3. are NEATLY SECURED (taped or glued)
4. have a TITLE,
5. LEFT SIDE has COLOR added to highlight important information or to add visual appeal.
Always take notes on the right hand pages. Left hand pages will be used for you to interact with
and process the information you took notes on in the lesson.
The best part of processing is it allows students to tap into their CREATIVE side. One of the most
important part about the “output” (PLACED ON THE LEFT SIDE) is the use of COLOR which
allows you to remember and make your own connections
Keep a master Table of Contents with dates and page numbers.
If you are absent, you must get the left &right-side input
Use colored pens, gel pens, or colored pencils when doing the left side activities. Color helps the
brain organize and remember information.
Each day you will place the date and topic title (I’ll give this to you) in the top corner of the page
Why do we do it?
Science Interactive notebooks will be used in this class daily to help you understand and remember
important scientific concepts.
Writing down notes does not mean that you have learned the information.
You must actively do something with the information before you really understand it.

3. You will organize as you learn. You will record ideas about every activity that you engage in
during a unit.
It gives you permission to be playful and creative in your responses without “messing up” your
notes. When you are creative, you will remember more.
Grading Guidelines
Your interactive notebook will count as a large portion of your quarter grade.
An important part of your notebook is its visual appearance. Your notebook should be neat &
colorful!
You may be allowed to use your notebook on some quizzes or tests (be sure to keep up with the
information, I may not tell you when this will happen!)
Some assignments that are in the notebook will be a separate grade
You are responsible for making up any missed information. You can get information from the
While You Were Out Corner, or Mrs. Larmour as I will be keeping a notebook with you.