Reflective Practice 11: Keeping A Science Journal
Journals and Science Journals
Many of you have probably kept a journal at some time in your life. This may have been a very personal journal focused around relationships. Journals can also help one to reflect on practices, events, issues, ideas, questions etc.
A Science journal can record your observations and questions about nature. It can also contain items about Science in the news, or in other media and also in the classroom. Again, it is another way to help you make contact with your inner scientific self.
How To Keep A Science Journal
Record once a week your observations centered on Science. It may be something that you notice on a walk or learn of through the media or through discussions or practice etc. Remember observations can involve any of the five senses. If you have questions which puzzle you or topics you want to know more about, include them. This records them for possible follow-up. You also may include perceptions others have about a topic. Sketches can also be included. It is your journal.
Keep your journal in a separate duo tang folder- no loose pages, please. Be sure to note date and time of all your entries. This proves very helpful when looking back for information, patterns or connections. You will find it interesting to go back and look at them later.
Entries should be of at least a page so as to include details. Such details encourage you to sharpen observation skills and will also help you to recall matters when reviewing your journal in the future. Above all, practice writing freely and enjoying!
Go to this link for an example of an entry in a science journal. (http://www.glinx.com/~sherm/bwilliams/observations.htm)
When Due
Bring your journal to class each week as it will be collected by your instructor; some weeks you may be asked to share it with your peers, if agreeable. Throughout the course you will be asked to complete and submit 10 entries – one each week, beginning second week.