Interactive Notebooks: Left Sides

STUDENT OUTPUT GOES ON LEFT PAGES. EVERY LEFT PAGE GETS USED

Use COLOR it helps the brain learn, process and remember!

The left pages (even numbers) demonstrate STUDENT UNDERSTANDING
of information from right pages (odd numbers). Students process
information on LEFT pages, they INPUT on right pages. Left pages have
students INTERACT with information from right pages in creative, unique
and individual ways. The Clock questions can help students process
information and focus attention on major science concepts.

What might go on the LEFT page?
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR PROCESSING





























Brainstorming
Pictures
Venn Diagrams
Bulls Eye Diagrams
Ring of Truth Diagrams
Graphic Organizers
Diagrams
Illustrations
Drawings
Reflections
Quickwrites
Flow Charts
Significant Statements
Poetry
Creative Writing
Mind-mapping
Concept maps
Commentaries
Writing Prompts
Flights of Fancy
Hypothesis Development
Responses to Clock
Questions
11. What is already known
about this topic?
10. Use a Venn or Bulls Eye
Diagram to compare ideas.
8. Create an analogy
and visual for this topic.

12. Make an illustration
explaining the topic
9. Write and solve problems
using the information.
7. Write a letter to
someone about this topic.
6. Write four What if.
statements about the topic.
5. Paraphrase the information
into ONE sentence.
4. Make Vocabulary
Cards on this topic.
3. Write the lyrics for a
song on this topic.
2. Whats the best way
to remember this topic?
1. Whats my study plan
to learn this information?
Interactive Notebooks: Right Sides
STUDENT INPUT GOES ON RIGHT PAGES (ODD NUMBERED)
INFORMATION FROM TEACHERS TEACHERS ARE ODD!
EVERY RIGHT PAGE GETS USED

The teacher organizes the common set of information that all students
must know. This is an opportunity for the teacher to model for students
how to think graphically.

The RIGHT pages (odd numbers) are records of the INPUT records by
students. The input could be from lectures, demonstrations, lab
information videos, magazine articles, reading from the textbook,
internet sites, or any traditional form of information. Cornell notes
should be used for taking notes and recording information.

What might go on the RIGHT page?
Heading information such as the topic, date or related concepts
to the input
Information written down as it is given in class
The teacher lectures, students record notes
Students record noted from books, videos or readings
Notes
Vocabulary word and book definitions
Notes about labs or lab instructions, procedures and materials
Teacher Questions and sample problems
INPUT of any type or from received in class






















Left Side Output-Student Directed
RAP: Review and Preview or
Reflect and Process
Used for:
Reorganize new information in
creative formats
Interact with information from
the right page
Lab Reflection questions
Warm ups
Express opinions and feelings
Explore new ideas
Mind maps, Venn diagrams,
Drawings, Vocabulary cards,
Analogies, Creating Questions,
Wanted posters, etc. etc.








Right Side Input- Teacher Directed
WOW Words of Wisdom

Used for:
Class Notes
Discussion Notes
Handouts with new info
Labs
Answer questions from text
Sample Problems
Vocabulary words/book
definitions
Movie, video notes





















IN-THROUGH-OUT example

















The Left Side









Student Processing

Examples:
Lab Reflections

Poetry
Flow Charts

Writing Prompt

Cartoons

Journaling

Illustrations

Creative Assignments

Explanations

Costas Level of Questioning




























The Big Picture..
Title and date




Student

INPUT

NOTES
The left side of the page demonstrates your understanding of the information from the right side if
the notebook. The left side incorporates and reflects how you learn science as well as what you
learn in science.

What goes on the left side?
Title every page
Every left page gets used.
Always use MULTIPLE COLORS They help the brain learn and organize information.
Highlight key terms, definitions, or illustrate with color.
Homework problems are usually on this side.
If no assignments are specifically mentioned for the left page, it becomes a YOUR
CHOICE assignment. Choose a CLOCK QUESTION below and do the activity for the
page.

The Right Side
This interactive notebook will be used in class daily to help you learn, and remember important
science concepts. This notebook will use both the left and right hemispheres of the brain to help
you sort, categorize, remember, and creatively interact with new knowledge. The more you process
the information the more you begin to understand it.

What goes on the right side you ask????? INPUT GOES ON THE RIGHT SIDE!

THE KEYS TO A FABULOUS RIGHT SIDE
Every page has a Title and date and page # at the top.
The right page is for inputting or writing down information you are given in class: notes,
video notes, worksheets, readings, etc.
*Write up minimum of 4 questions for each set of notes.
Write neatly and clearly. Use highlighting and color to make important information stand
out.

Sample of Cornell Style Notes
Photosynthesis August 25, 2009
Student Created Questions

Why are plants green instead
of red or blue?

How does photosynthesis work
to make food?

What is the difference between
transmit and absorb?

Ask in class tomorrow: What
is the key difference between
photosystems I and II? Do all
plants need both? What about
shade plants?
Factual Information copied down in class

Scientists note that plants are green. Many hypotheses have been proposed
to understand plant color.

Photosynthesis means to put together with light meaning that plants use a
process to produce food and energy from light.

Plants are green because they transmit green light.

Photosystem I: Suns energy breaks water into 2. Electrons are set free and
boost energy levels.Chlorophyll absorbs the free energy during sunlight
hours. NADPH+.
Summary: Photosynthesis is a process that takes place inside plants to produce food and energy from light.