Components of the Science Notebook


-Question -Prediction/Hypothesis -Materials -Variables/Control -Procedure
-Data Collection -Data Analysis -Conclusion -Line of Learning -New Steps/New Questions



Question

• You think up the question.
• Write it in your own words.
• Make sure it relates to the purpose or "Big Idea".
• The question should be clear and concise.
• The question should be investigable.



Prediction/Hypothesis

• The prediction should connect to prior experience.
• It should be clear and reasonable.
• It should relate to the question.
• It should propose an explanation or reason.



Materials

• Remember to list all materials needed.



Variables/Control

• Identify and list the dependent variables.
• Identify and list the independent variables.
• Identify and list the experiment's control.



Procedure

• The procedure should have a clear sequence and direction.
• The procedure should relate to the question.



Data Collection

• Data Gathering includes drawings, observations, & charts.
• Keep data well organized.
• Be accurate, precise and truthfull.
• Record just what you saw.



Data Analysis

• Analysing Data includes creating graphs to organize the data to present your findings.
• It also includes a narrative to explain the data's meaning.
• Write clear, full sentences.



Conclusion

• Write clear statements of what was learned.
• Be reflective.
• Write in your own words.
• Base your statements on the question, procedure and data gathered.
• Show vigor in your thinking!



Line of Learning

• Teacher will discuss with you the target concept; new concept understandings.
• Listen to the teacher and write down what was learned through this experiment.
• List and define, in your notebook, key vocabulary terms from this experiment.



New Steps/New Questions

• Write in your notebooks, new questions that you have after doing this lab experiment.
• What did this lab show you that you now don't know?
• What new experiments could you do to answer some of these questions?