Many of the warm-up activities ask students to record the question and their answer in a notebook, which reduces the number of
copies needed. Keeping a science notebook also provides an effective way for students to save information about experiences
for future use and to reflect upon those experiences (Marcarelli, 2010). The process of notebooking

• creates a space for students to reflect about experiences and encourages insight into activities,

• allows students opportunities to create,

• encourages students to process what they are learning,

• allows for the free flow of students’ ideas and feelings,

• gives a broader perspective over time and encourages students to reread and identify recurring themes,

• provides students with a safe format to communicate in a healthy and constructive way, and

• involves student expression and exploration of thought.

An interactive notebook is another tool students use in activating prior knowledge, recording learning experiences, and revising
their thinking about the topic or concept. The input is the content learned, and the output is reflective thought gained through
learning experiences. Benefits of using an interactive notebook include developing students’ thinking skills, increasing
communication, and differentiating instruction (Marcarelli, 2010).

Notebooking