How to Use Science Journals

Not all journal entries have to be in the classroom --- take students outside to take notes on nature.

Science journals help students collect and record data, as well as recall information learned during the school year. Journals also allow students to convey information to parent and teacher. Students who journal their observations and discoveries comprehend information better and tend to have higher grades. Some students may not like creative writing but they may enjoy writing about they know and see for themselves. Journals don't need look fancy --- they need to provide students a place to record their observations. Although a journal's extent will vary based upon age group, all students can record their ideas and observations.

Instructions

1. Conduct a science experiment or activity in the class. Regular activities allow students opportunities to learn scientifically and record things in their journals.

2. Write down student hypotheses and observations on the left side of the journal. Depending upon the age group, students might draw pictures or use symbols to represent their ideas.

3. Write down teacher instructions, facts, definitions and class notes on the right side of the page. Younger students might paste pictures from magazines or draw pictures of the actual object tested in class.

4. Flip through the journals before quizzes and tests to help students be better prepared. Look through the journals before starting a new unit to emphasize how much students have learned during the school year. Review is especially helpful for younger students.

5. Grade student journals for participation or overall quality of work, depending upon the age group. For example, younger elementary students may use journals as a learning tool that is not graded. Middle school or high school students may have letter grades assigned to the journal.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all journal entries will look the same. For example, some entries may be more about collecting data and others may be focused more on observation and facts.

• Journals bring together more than one learning style. Added exposure to the concepts, such as by observing things in class and then writing about it, allow for more processing time and review.

References

• University of Texas at Dallas; Using Elementary Interactive Science Journals; Dara Williams Rossi; 2004
• PBS Kids; Sid the Science Kid; Getting Off to the Write Start: Using Science Journals; Kimberly Brenneman; Dec. 20, 2010
• Science Notebooks: Introduction
• Science Notebooks: Notebook Features
• Science Notebooks: Science Notebook Entry Types
• Five Good Reasons to Use Science Notebooks; Joan Gilbert and Marleen Kotelman; December 2005

Resources

• Science Notebooks: Elementary FAQs