The interactive notebook has been a great teaching tool for me for the last few years. The Interactive Science Notebook (INB) is a learning tool that involves an “input” (right side) of teacher’s notes and handouts. It also include an “output” section (left side) that allows students to creatively relate that information to their own experiences or organize the information in a variety of proven techniques or best practices. The versatility of the interactive notebook is only limited by the student or the teacher, therefore it has no limits. Throughout the year, I will post a variety of engaging examples that I use in my classroom. You will be amazed how the interactive notebook reaches all of the learning styles in your classroom and allows students to personalize their learning. I am currently in the process of gathering, organizing and explaining how I implement the activities I do throughout the year into a book. The left side of the notebook is for graphic organizers, charts, stories, raps, poems, pictures and more. The right side is used for notes and teacher handouts (“input”)
Note: Successfully implementing the Interactive Notebook involves extensive set-up and procedures but the pay-off is worth it.
When I first started teaching, I wanted my students to write lab report base on the mealworm lab(see post) that I had them do.
It did not take long to realize that they needed all the help they could get!
It is not a surprise. They had never had to write a lab report before.
In order to help them I spent countless hours building this lab report template and guide that the student could use to help them build high quality lab reports.
I developed a lab report rubric that is about as detailed as it can get. It makes lab reports very easy to do and grade. It is based on 110 point scale.
We all have those days when we wake up feeling sick. Well, today was my day. I quickly thought about putting in for a substitute but I hate asking for coverage on such short notice, it puts extra stress on everyone. I decided to drag myself to work after swallowing a variety of horse sized pills to sooth the pounding in my head from the stuffed sinuses. Today had to be a video day. They say you are your best substitute. My choice of video was “Super Size Me” the educational version. The video gave me an opportunity to relate and revisit the scientific method, experimental design, biochemistry and bias. I sometimes feel guilty for showing videos, but this was truly relevant and timely. Typically, I only show small video clips to supplement the instruction so my auditory/visual learners got a treat today.
