SCIENCE INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK CONSTRUCTION and INFORMATION

An Interactive Notebook is more than a notebook used to take notes. It is a process of using many aspects of learning and thinking. The more ways that students use and apply information, the better the student will understand and be able to apply the information. 

The Interactive Notebook may be used to: process information, take notes, do labs, practice problems, review information, study for tests and apply skills to show an understanding of the information covered in class. There is NO EXCUSE for not having a notebook or being to find equations, diagrams, concepts or definitions at any point in time during class.

The notebook must be a spiral or otherwise bound notebook. The minimum size is a 70 -page spiral bound binder (this size usually fills up in ONE semester). Three ring binders are NOT allowed. Pages are NEVER removed from the INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK. If handouts or photocopies need to be added to the notebook, glue will be used to attach the information to the pages bound to wire.

Sample pages to use and glue into the interactive notebook are included at the end of this packet. The PDF files of those pages may be downloaded at www.teachworth.info (look for the AVID link). Word files of those pages may be obtained by emailing martinteachworth@hotmail.com.

 

The notebook should follow a specific format (adapt it for YOUR use):

THE COVER

  1. The cover page must have your name and a title reflecting COURSE and the LEVEL of the course.
  2. There must be at least 2 diagrams or photographs or pictures reflecting some aspects of the course.
  3. There must be at least 4 colors on the cover (do not count WHITE or BLACK as colors).
  4. Glue or tape a cover page onto notebook.

 

BEFORE ATTACHING ANY PAGES!

 

NUMBERING THE PAGES

    1. Number the BOTTOM OUTSIDE CORNER of each page.
    2. The TABLE OF CONTENTS page is page number 1. (All RIGHT pages have ODD numbers)
    3. The back of the TABLE OF CONTENTS page is page number 2 (All LEFT pages have EVEN numbers).
    4. NUMBER the first 11 pages before starting the attaching process. This will greatly increase the speed of assembly.
    5. HOMEWORK - Number ALL THE PAGES until the ADULT INPUT page is reached (the back inner cover of the notebook).

 

INSIDE FRONT COVER – Gems of Wisdom   Sample to use is included

  1. Glue GEMS OF WISDOM page to the front inside cover of the notebook.
  2.  This page will be a crucial resource. This is where important variables, definitions, units and equations will be listed. If only one page could be used on a test, this would be the page.
  3. Set up the page according to the needs of your students. The sample page is used for physics.

 

First Blank Page   -   Table of Contents       Make One to Use

  1. The Table of Contents page is written with a specific format. This will be the first LOOSE sheet of lined paper inside the notebook. Plan on using the front and the back of the sheet of paper. HINT - A trick of taping a new sheet over a filled page is a good one to use when the original Table of Contents is filled.
  2. The main body of the paper (where one would normally write) is divided in half by drawing a line down the center of the page.
  3. The left column has the title:  LEFT PAGE   #      These will be PROCESSING page entries
  4. The right column has the title:  RIGHT PAGE #     These will be TRADITIONAL page entries
  5. The proper use of the Table of Contents page will be explained in class.
  6. STUDENT NOTEBOOKS will need TWO pages for the Table of Contents. HINT - When the page is filled, tape a blank sheet on top and continue filling out the Table of Contents.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Left   Page #   (Processing)

Even Numbered Pages

Right    Page #    (Input)

Odd Numbered Pages

 

SCORE SHEET       Sample is included for use during the discussion

1.        The Score sheet will increase the interaction of students with other students as well as the teacher.

2.        It will increase collaboration between students.

3.        It will increase the quality and amount of work done by students.

4.        It will increase the discussion time between students and the teacher while decreasing the total amount of time needed outside of class for grading and recording papers.

5.        Glue the Score Sheet onto the back of the Table of Contents page

 

RUBRIC SHEET Sample is included for use during the discussion

1.  The Rubric sheet describes the general, basic criteria for assignments

2.        The Rubric sheet will be used when students review assignments of themselves or other students.

3.        The Rubric sheet will increase calm discussion and collaboration between students.

4.        It will increase the discussion time between students and the teacher while decreasing the total amount of time needed outside of class for grading and recording papers. TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTS       Samples to use are included

1.        The Types of Assignments sheets describe different special assignments and useful information. It serves as a quick reference for students when having to do different types of assignments

2.  The Rubric sheet will be used when students review assignments of themselves or other students.

5.        The Rubric sheet will increase calm discussion and collaboration between students.

6.        It will increase the discussion time between students and the teacher while decreasing the total amount of time needed outside of class for grading and recording papers.

 

INSIDE BACK COVER  - ADULT INPUT PAGE  

  1. Glue the last page in the notebook to the inside back cover. This is the Parent/Guardian Feedback Page
  2. The page has a title: Parent Input Page
  3. There will be three columns: DATE, WHAT WAS LEARNED AND SIGNATURE
  4. This page is designed for parents or guardians to give feedback about the contents, assignments and explanations in the notebook. Students must teach an adult (if a parent or guardian is not available) something learned during the week (or grading period). The adult must explain what the student taught.

 

Adult Input Page

 Date       

What was LEARNED                                 

        Adult / Signature          

 

General Suggestions and Helpful Hints

v   Make it work for you – adapt what works for your teaching style and students. The concept of WICR with emphasis on analyzing information is what is important, not the use of the exact handout in the stated order.

v   Warn students ahead of time to purchase a spiral binder.  Have some extra binders for forgetful students or students transferring into the class.

v   Strongly suggest students collect and store at least one color of highlighter, several colored pencils and a ruler as standard supplies. Collect old crayons and cheap markers and store them for student use. If the students do not like what you have, let them bring their own.

v   Encourage students to get binders with at least 70 pages. Pages without perforations to make pages easy to tear out are MUCH better at making a longer lasting interactive notebook.

v   Setting up an interactive notebook takes about 50 minutes of class time (one period) for slower students.

v   Scissors or a paper cutter - Plan on students trimming the handouts to fit onto the lined paper.

v   Glue - It is suggested that white or school glue be used instead of glue sticks as the white glue is cheaper and holds better over time. A little goes a LONG way – students will soak the papers and cause the pages to create a sedimentary-type layer of pages. Dot Method – use a set pattern of small dots of glue to fasten pages in place to conserve glue and avoid gluing pages together.

v   Patience is a NECESSITY – It MAY take about 2 to 3 weeks to slowly introduce Cornell note use, how to do weekly grading of the notebooks, how to grade special assignments, to introduce all the types of special assignments and how to do lab or other types of assignments in the notebook. Introducing the parts and methods over a few weeks to make it easier to understand and not as overwhelming for students.

v   Make it work for you – make up extra packets of the pages to be glued into the notebook and store them near the extra notebooks. Have student assistants or responsible students assemble several extra notebooks for students that transfer in after notebooks are assemble. Students transferring into the class can be given a packet and shown by another student on how to physically put the notebook together.

v   Assemble ONE notebook for each period taught. Use the notebook as a model to help keep students on track and organized through the semester.

v   A student or group to mentor the new student is essential or the new student will be overwhelmed.

v   Listen, watch and learn from the students. Encourage feedback of what is liked, disliked and what works best so each use of the interactive notebook becomes smoother and stronger.