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National STEM Learning Centre and Network
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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
Keep a lab book
Purpose: It is good practice for science students to record information as they progress through an investigation. This information may include adjustments in the procedure followed, safety notes, rough data, processed results, links to relevant information and so on. There are a wide range of commercial lab book software solutions available, but at school level a simple note taking app is sufficient. Good apps will include the ability to record sketches, photos, voice, website links, imported files and so on.
Teaching approach: Teach students the habit of recording information as they progress through an investigation as an alternative to writing a formal account once the investigation is complete. (Both skills are important.) Some may choose to use a traditional paper notebook approach, but for those who seek the additional benefits of electronic backup and sharing of their work, a digital notebook is an effective solution.
Preparation: Notebook apps vary in complexity, and although a simple app may be sufficient initially, if the user needs to be able to file, sort and search their records, a dedicated notebook app is recommended. Alternatives include One Note and Evernote.
The following article describes using One Note as a professional scientist, but many of the messages are equally valid for science students in school.
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