The labels are glued on and they are ready for the kids' names! How cute are these gray composition books? Got 'em at Walmart for 25 cents! Gotta love a deal!
So, like with everything else, our district is moving towards a more student-directed, inquiry based model for science notebooks. It is based heavily on the philosophy of Michael P. Klentschy in his book Using Science Notebooks in Elementary Classrooms. I'm still working out exactly what it's going to look like in kindergarten, but basically, it's going to mean more student initiated investigations, making lots of predictions, and supporting claims with specific evidence. And of course, in Texas, we have all new science standards, anyway, so my team is busy going through all of our old units to see what needs to be updated.
Writing science units is the hard part, but getting the notebooks ready is easy! Here's a PDF for the labels:
Download Science Journal Labels
Here are the Science Notebook Expectations. I do a whole lesson on these and have the kids glue them in.
Download Science Notebook Expectations
And here is the Science Safety Contract. Again--we do a whole lesson on science safety and glue them in together.
Download Science Safety Contract
I'm looking forward to a year of messy, gooey, sticky, squirmy and exciting science!
How do you make these great labels. I would love some for a reading workbook and a writing journal. I have already printed out your math one and science one. Thanks!!!
Posted by: Tharon Sass | 07/19/2010 at 07:05 AM
WOW!! Lot of great ideas. I can't wait to try your math ideas. Thanks for posting both the directions and pictures to go along with each activity.
Posted by: Lisa | 07/20/2010 at 10:43 PM
I'm a student teacher in kindergarten for the first time - and wanted to say that this blog is inspiring. Thanks for some great ideas!
Posted by: nicole | 01/25/2011 at 05:47 PM
Awesome! I've been teaching Kindergarten for the last 4 years and your site has made me rethink my math and science programs. Just so inspiring, love it! I and my kids thank you for the tremendous ideas! You are very creative thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Rob | 02/06/2011 at 01:54 PM
After reading these ideas, I'm excited to introduce Science using the contract and expectations to a new group of children. Have taught the mixing color lessons using the water and food coloring, but set the clear cups on top of the overhead and projected it onto the screen. Very cool to watch the colors mix and change. Thanks again and Happy New "SCHOOL" Year!
Posted by: Carol | 08/20/2011 at 09:08 AM
I love your photos and clear descriptions of ideas. Your science journals recently helped me and some of my colleagues develop an inquiry lesson as part of a larger unit on Diversity of Life for kindergarten students. Thanks so much for inspiring us!
Posted by: Jennifer | 11/16/2011 at 08:53 PM
only this once will I prune my vineyard.the tree which I plantedAnd it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant
Posted by: beats by dr dre | 11/21/2011 at 08:41 PM
Love the labels...thanks for sharing!!!
Posted by: Eva | 08/25/2012 at 01:00 PM
Just want to say thanks for such awesome materials and ideas. These starting lessons are a God send and your generosity with them is sooooo appreciated! Thanks again :)
Posted by: Teresa | 08/25/2012 at 08:09 PM
FYI: I went looking for Klentschy's book on science journals. It turns out he was convicted for fraud (falsifying data) related to the book. It's no longer available.
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/aug/27/ex-superintendent-sentenced-fraud/
Or just google "Klentschy falsifying data."
BTW, great blog.
Posted by: Diane Strickland | 03/11/2013 at 08:22 AM
I'd love to use these with my classes. I'd have to translate them to French though. I would love to know where you got your clip art from as well. That way I could make my own that were in French!
Posted by: Trish | 11/03/2013 at 10:24 AM