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.  

This class is designed to help you meet Iowa Core science and reading standards (or NGSS and Common Core) by equipping you with the knowledge, experience, and resources to help your students benefit from science notebooks as sensemaking tools.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• Explain at least four research-based reasons to use science notebooks
• Analyze science notebook case studies using an observation framework and science notebook implementation progression 
• Apply observation framework and science notebook implementation progression guidance to create supports for effective science notebook experiences
• Create a logistics plan for implementing science notebooks that includes tool selection, management routines, and outdoor considerations
• Design a science notebook launch plan that includes real-world models, immersion activities, and journaling expectations
• Analyze activities that scaffold student observation and create a list of at least five exercises to implement in your classroom
• Create a plan to encourage all students to draw using at least three sketching lessons
• Modify a current science unit to integrate at least four science notebook activities
• Examine your ELA and math curriculums, determine one place in each that science notebooks could be integrated, and develop a plan for implementation
• Create a science notebook assessment plant that includes peer to peer sharing, student reflection, and teacher feedback

Required Texts & Materials: 

• Science Notebooks in Student-Centered Classrooms by Jessica Fries-Gaither https://www.amazon.com/Science-Notebooks-Student-Centered-Classrooms-Jessica/dp/1681407078 
• How to Teach Nature Journaling by John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren
  • Free download available at: https://johnmuirlaws.com/product/how-to-teach-nature-journaling/
• Rise and Thrive with Science: Teaching PK-5 Science and Engineering by Nancy Kober
  • Free download available at: https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/26853

Also, students are expected to read relevant journal articles and engage with videos assigned throughout the course as needed.

Course Details:

Date: Available for registration anytime
Instructor: Emily Starr (emily@growprofessionally.com)
Number of Graduate/License Renewal Credits:  2
Higher Ed Partner for Graduate Credit: Morningside University