Science Notebooks in Middle School 7
Notebook Structure
FOSS recommends that students keep their notebooks in 8" ✕ 10"
bound composition books. At the most advanced level, students are
responsible for creating the entire science notebook from blank pages
in their composition books. Experienced students determine when
to use their notebooks, how to organize space, what methods of
documentation to use, and how to fl ag important information. This
level of notebook use will not be realized quickly; it will likely require
systematic development by an entire teaching staff over time.
At the beginning, notebook practice is often highly structured,
using prepared sheets from the FOSS notebook masters. You can
photocopy and distribute these sheets to students as needed during the
investigations. Sheets are sized to fi t in a standard composition book.
Students glue or tape the sheets into their notebooks. This allows some
fl exibility between glued-in notebook sheets and blank pages where
students can do additional writing, drawings, and other documentation.
Prepared notebook sheets are helpful organizers for students with
challenges such as learning disabilities or with developing English
skills. This model is the most effi cient means for obtaining the most
productive work from inexperienced middle school students.From the Planetary Science Course