Interactive Science Notebooks
Mr. Pullins7th Grade Science
Think about a time when you thought…
I can’t find my notes
I can’t remember what we did in class yesterday
I was absent last week, did I miss anything?I can’t remember where
I left my homework
The Answer
• Interactive notebooks can help you answer those questions once and for all.
What is an interactive notebook?• An Interactive Science Notebook (ISN) is your
own personalized diary of learning about science.
• A portfolio of your work in ONE convenient spot.
• A great tool for studying for quizzes and tests.• An organizational tool that gives you
permission to be playful and creative in your responses without “messing up” your notes.
• Allows you to work like a real scientist.
Real scientists use notebooks…
Real scientists use notebooks…
Why composition?
• Scientists NEVER tear out pages in their notebooks.
• ALL ideas (even wrong ones) serve a purpose and are valuable.
• What if I mess up?
Which side are you on?
• The notebook is divided into TWO sections:
• The LEFT side “LOVES” student work.– This is the side that you can use to show me your
creativity. This is the “output” side.• The RIGHT side is “RESTRICTED” and contains
only information given by Mr. Pullins– Nothing else should be on the right side. This is
the “input” side.
The SidesLeft side LOVES student work
Right side RESTRICTED to teacher input
A closer look at the left side
• The LEFT SIDE belongs to you• It contains daily comprehension checks and
discussion questions• It contains the day’s activity• Diagrams, cartoons, foldables, drawings, etc. • Let your CREATIVITY show!
• Always use COLOR
Odd pages = 1, 3, 5, 7, etc
A closer look at the right side
• The RIGHT side belongs to the teacher and should only contain information given or “input” from Mr. Pullins
• Nothing else should be on this page!• The RIGHT side contains all testable material• Powerpoint notes, vocabulary words, lab
procedures, study guides, etc.
Even pages = 2, 4, 6, 8, etc
What do I need for my ISN?
• A composition notebook (no spiral or binder)• No markers! (they bleed through and mess up
the back side of your page)• Highlighters are OK• Scissors• Glue stick• Colored pencils
Getting Started
• On the front cover of your notebook, write:
• Your name• 7th grade science
Table of Contents
• At the top of PAGES 1-4, write “Table of Contents”
• Using a ruler, divide each page into 3 columns• Title them: Activity, Description, Page #
Activity Description Page #
Heading
• Each page should have the activity’s title in the upper left corner and the date in the upper right corner. (See board for example)
• Number the page as you get to it in the bottom right corner.
Notebook Rules
• NO ripped out or torn pages• NO doodling that isn’t related to the activity• Notebook is for science class ONLY• NUMBER each page as you go along• ALL entries must go in the Table of Contents• Be COLORFUL and LOVE your notebook
Remember…
• Take care of your notebook• Be neat and creative – your notebook is a
reflection of YOU• Notebooks will be assessed throughout the
year, so always make sure it is up to date• You MUST bring your notebook with you to
class EVERY DAY!
Author Page
• On page 0, fill the page with pictures and words that describe yourself.
• Be creative and use effort. • Pictures must be colorful.
• Examples: favorite sports, favorite activities, pets, family members, music, movies, etc.