Interactive STEM Notebooks- Table of Contents

When setting up the Interactive STEM Notebooks, organization is key.  The first component that should be put into the notebook is a Table of Contents.  This component will help keep the notebook organized by requiring students to record the title of each page on the Table of Contents.  It also requires students to both number and title each individual page.  This gets students in the habit of thinking about what they are doing- i.e. they have to think carefully about what to title each page and keep everything in order.

Some teachers have students keep a purely hand-written list as a Table of Contents (and for middle school or high school students, this is probably fine).  Since I taught mostly grades 4 and 5, I prefer to use a template so that all entries are in the same places for each notebook.  I have students glue the template into the first two pages of the notebook.  I know that many teachers prefer to use the liquid white glue, but glue sticks do so much more to preserve my sanity!

Also on the organization thread are glossary pages for the back of the notebook that provide students with space to record unit specific words.  At the beginning of each unit, I like to identify no more than 12 words (usually 8). That way I know how many glossary pages to give each student.

And speaking of organization, to further organize Interactive STEM Notebooks, students can use the STEM dividers too!

Get the Interactive STEM Notebook Bundle Pack including the Table of Contents and Glossary!