A logbook is crucial for any science project as it provides a record of all activities from initial ideas to the final report. The logbook should be labeled with contact information and use pen, not pencil, for permanent entries. Entries should be dated and can be brief, numbering pages. The logbook should be used from the earliest project planning stages and all observations, data, diagrams, and reflections recorded. Mistakes should also be documented. Maintaining a thorough logbook makes reconstructing the project easier and provides a strong case for one's work.

1. What Makes A Great
Science Project
Logbook?
Joanne Rebbeck, Ph.D.
February 24, 2005
Adapted from http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project-laboratory-notebook.pdf

2. A logbook is a crucial part of
any research project
Whether you are a research scientist or a first
time science fair student…
A detailed account of every phase of your
project
 from the initial brainstorming to the final research
report.
The logbook is proof that certain activities
occurred at specific times.

3. Your log book may be a spiral
notebook…
A. B.
0%0%
A. True
B. False
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4. Label it!
Label your logbook with
your name, phone number,
and teacher's name in a the
back.
Make logbook entries in
pen not in pencil.
(No Erasable pen)
 This is a permanent record
of all of your activities
associated with your project.
Just a line
Whole page mistake

5. What must you write in your
log book with?
A. B. C. D.
0% 0%0%0%
A. Pencil
B. Erasable Pen
C. Any color of Pen
D. Blue/Black Pen
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6. Entries
Number the pages in your
logbook before using it
Always date every entry
 just like a journal.
Entries should be brief and concise.
 Full sentences are not required.
Front of pages only

7. Full sentences are required in
your log book
A. B.
0%0%
A. True
B. False
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8. Logbook entry
of observations
made while
watering planted
oak acorns in
greenhouse

9. Don't worry about
neatness
It's a personal record of your work.
Do not re-do your logbook because it
looks sloppy.
Think of the logbook as your "Dear
Diary" for science fair.
It's not just for recording data during the
experimental phase of your project and
it's not just for your teacher.

10. Used during all phases of
your project
Jotting down ideas or thoughts for a
project
Phone numbers/Contacts or sources
Prices of supplies/receipts
References from research
Diagrams/Figures/Sketches
Data tables
Graphs/ charts
Calculations.

11. When should you begin your
log book?
A. B. C. D.
0% 0%0%0%
A. At the very beginning as you brainstorm
ideas
B. After you finish your procedures, as you
set up your experiment
C. After you start your experiment
D. The log book is optional
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13. Data Table Example

14. Use it regularly and write
down everything
Even if it seems insignificant, it could later be
extremely useful.
 For example, it's the middle of the night and you're
frantically preparing that final report but you can't
find the title of that crucial reference.
Make sure that you describe things
completely
 when you read your notes weeks or months later
you will be able to accurately reconstruct your
thoughts and your work.

15. Glue, staple or tape any
loose papers
Photocopies
important items.
Loose papers
Other unsecured
items are prohibited
as they tend to fall
out and can end up
missing.

17. Reflection
Include a reflections section in
your logbook.
 For example:
 What, if anything would I do differently next
time?
 What part of the experiment could be changed
to improve the experimental procedure?

18. changes made to
procedures
Mishaps, failures, or mistakes.
As human beings, all of us make mistakes!

19. If you make a mistake on your
experiment/project what should
you do?
A. B. C.
0% 0%0%
A. Ignore it
B. Record it in your
log book
C. Remove those
pages in your log
book
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20. Include ALL observations
Include any and all observations
made during your experiment.
In other words, record ALL data directly
in your logbook.
 If that is not possible, then staple
photocopies of data in the logbook.

23. Keeping a great logbook
pays off later!
Remember, keeping up a great logbook
throughout the entire duration of the science
project really pays off later!
Not only will a nicely maintained logbook
impress your teacher and the judges at the
fair,
It will also help you stay out of trouble later
when you need to look back and provide
details of what you did.