SCIENCE NOTEBOOK Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
The purpose of the Science Notebook is to help you create an organized and detailed record of your science
exploration this year. The notebook will be used for class notes, answers to questions, activities, vocabulary,
and creative products showing your knowledge. You will be asked to use this notebook as a reference source
for class discussions, group activities, and for studying.
You are REQUIRED to bring your Science Notebook to class EVERY day!
In your notebook you will have the following:
Page 1 Title page including: Full Name, Homeroom Teacher, and school year
Page 2-6 Table of Contents – date, assignment title, and page numbers (s)
Page 7-8 Science Class SOPs
Page 9 Science Notebook SOPs
Page 10 Science Vocabulary SOPs
Page 11 Process Skills and
Page 12 Equipment Tracker
Page 13 Objective Tracker
Page 14 Lab Safety Contract
*Notes, Activities, and Investigations will be entered in your notebook starting in the front of the book.
* Vocabulary will be entered in your journal starting from the back working forwards.
When the two sides meet you will need to do the same process in a new compositions notebook
Each focus area will use the following color code system in the upper right corner for easy reference:
Matter and Energy- Orange
Force, Motion, and Energy- Red
Earth and Space- Blue
Organisms and the Environment- Green
How will my Science Notebook be graded?
1. Individual assignments in the notebook (e.g. vocabulary, homework, class assignments
2. A part of each nine weeks’ portfolio grade. (Refer to Portfolio Rubric)
***All class notes and notebook assignments should be included, even for days when you were
absent.
***An important part of your notebook is how it is organized. Add assignments in sequential
order; do not skip pages unless the teacher instructs you to do so!
***Your notebook should be NEAT! Each entry should have a title as provided by your teacher
and be color coded according to the focus area. In the table of contents, each entry should be
listed with a date, title, and page number. Writing must be legible, please make your best effort
on drawings/graphs. Drawings/graphs must include all appropriate labels.
What if I am absent?
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain assignments and notes from either a student in your
class or the teacher.
Remember: This is a Science notebook and should only be used for Science class.
***STUDENT SIGNATURE ____________________________________________________
***PARENT SIGNATURE _____________________________________________________
SCIENCE NOTEBOOK Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Vocabulary
In science it is important to understand the meaning of key vocabulary terms.
During the course of the year you will be given sets of important terms to enter into
the glossary of your Science Notebook. You will also be encouraged to add new words
to the glossary on your own. Your glossary will included:
A) Table of Contents- list words
B) Color Coding of each focus area same as content being entered
C) Indication with a star of words that you choose to add on your own
The format for each vocabulary entry will be as follows:
Drawing
Definition
Vocabulary Term
Examples
Non-Examples
Vocabulary Term
used correctly in a
science content
sentence
After you have entered the vocabulary terms, take time to study and review
them. The correct usage and spelling of these terms is important in how we
communicate in science.
Vocabulary will be graded on completion of format, spelling, and correct
usage throughout class activities and assignments.