Science Notebooks for Student Sensemaking

This class begins by sharing the many research-based benefits of science notebooks and then empowers you with frameworks, lesson plans, and guidance to effectively integrate science notebooks into your science curriculum. Not only will you learn the why of science notebooks and the logistics of their management, you will discover how to move from a mechanical/novice use of notebooks into an insightful/experienced use that empowers students to own their notebooks as personal records of their thinking. Throughout the course, you will build a science notebook implementation plan in stages as you complete each module’s project. Your plan will guide you to: manage the logistics of science notebooks and outdoor classroom experiences, introduce science notebooks, emphasize real-world science notebook models, scaffold student observations, support student sketching, integrate science notebooks in ELA and math, use science notebooks to support student thinking in a current science unit, provide the opportunity for students to share and reflect on their notebooks, and provide effective notebook feedback.