Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources How to Keep a Science Lab Notebook

This is for all the non-scientists out there - like me.

I wanted DS8 to learn to keep a real science notebook as a way to encourage his writing, stress the importance of neatness and careful work, and to prepare him for above level science someday - especially since he's HS'd and all of our science to date has been online. Anyway, I searched and found this, which I think would work with a child of any age. It makes it quite clear that neatness counts. Take a look.

http://web.mit.edu/me-ugoffice/communication/labnotebooks.pdf

And for you scientists out there (or teachers or experienced parents or whomever) - if you have better info, pls. post it.

Thanks.

Oh, this is great, thanks!
I just started doing some fun things with the microscope with ds8 this weekend. Onion cells and cheek cells.
He really enjoyed it but I was already thinking that getting him to draw some of the things we are seeing and make observations would really engage him further. He's just a drawing kind of guy.

Looks good!! DS is starting a regular lab notebook next year when we begin Biology. He's done lab notebooks for his science fair projects (the only way he could possibly keep all those notes together from the beginning to the end!) but never for multiple assigned labs.

The only major thing I think I'd add to the link you have is that the introductory material (purpose/question, prior reading and hypothesis), as well as the procedure, should be written up before the lab is begun. Ideally you should come to a lab knowing exactly what's going on and with your notebook ready to record results.

I like this link: http://www.jesuitnola.org/upload/clark/labs/lab%20notebook%20format.htm for format and preparation notes.

I saved this for later. Thanks, Q!

For a non scientist you seem to post some of the best science-y stuff! Thanks!

Neato

Those are the lab notebooks I used as a postdoc. I was actually wondering where I can order those from. I'm not sure from where the Institute purchased them.

What we were always told. You have postdoc A and postdoc B. They each make a discovery. The one w/ the well kept notes is the one that will be given the patent!

I'm a researching fool. No wonder I have so much trouble working and HSing. LOL! Maybe I'm in the wrong line of work.

Forgot to mention - I bought the notebook at Staples: http://www.staples.com/office/suppl...-4_139662_Business_Supplies_10051_SEARCH
The 4x4 squares are just about big enough for him to keep his numbers aligned in them. Writing is improving day by day.

Erica, thanks for the link. I'll take a look. That's exactly the type of stuff I'm looking for - i.e., no shortcuts, you have to do the (written) work.

LOL questions, I was coming here to post that very link!

Well, it was your post that reminded me that I forgot to post where I found the book. Wanted to save you the time. Too slow I see.