5 Good Reasons Why to Use Science Notebooks

In the article Five Good Reasons Why to Use Science Notebooks the author touches on many key points to think about as future educators. Keeping a science notebook can be beneficial to not only the students but as well as the classroom teacher. Notebooks are a great place for students to collect their thoughts, and because everyone is different it allows the students to collect information in their own ways. These ways could be a different language or the type of collecting technique. I think this idea is extremely important; I agree that this notebook will benefit the children not only in science but also in literacy. The author has stated more reasons as to why this science notebook is a great addition to every science classroom. Some more reasons are it helps the teacher guide instruction as well as the teachers collaboration with other teachers.

"The notebook is a tool that encourages students to use writing for thinking and empowers them to become active in their own learning" (Gilbert& Kotelma). I think this statement is crucial. This notebook can open doors for every student to participate and become active in the lesson. While they are learning a science lesson they are also sharpening their writing skills which is detrimental to the schooling. This notebook encourages students to use what they know or observe (for example the snail observation) and write it in their own words. They can be writing but aren't limited to facts, observations, or questions.

As a future educator I think incorporating the science notebook into my classroom is a must. I strive to find all ways to get students involved in any lesson whether it is math, science, or social studies. This allows everyone to voice what they want to say in a educational manner. It allows the shy ones to speak on paper and it allows the ones that like to take over discussions to get everything they have to say out. As a teacher it is hard to pin point where every student is on a lesson so this notebook is a great tool in figuring out where to take the lesson next. I think as the Hispanic and ESL students are increasing, allowing students to have this notebook and being able to incorporate their background into is a great idea which the author stated. Science notebooks are a great tool to use in the classroom.