Spotlight on Science Journaling

High Performing Schools ConferenceLinda Hewgley

rhewgley@hot.rr.com

Why Science Journals or Notebooks?

Research is verifying the achievement benefit of 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

Lewis &

Clark’s data and 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.

Leonardo de Vinci’s 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.

Leonardo de Vinci’s notes & 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.

Benjamin Franklin’sthree wheel clock sketches

Thomas Edison

The first page is a title page (like a book). You decide your own title.

Guidelines to help you make your journal are

placed inside the front cover

Make a Table of Contents 2 or more pages after the title page

(like a book)

Make columns for:•Date•Entry•Page

This helps you find an entry fast when

you need it.

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.

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.

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 stores–as many as 10 for $1.

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

The stage is set for using science journals.