You will be expected to maintain an interactive student notebook (ISN) for
your Math class. This notebook will be the primary study resource for Math
besides your text. The notebook will be graded on neatness, organization,
and completeness and will be considered as part of your grade. Be sure to
bring your ISN to class every day. It will be checked at the discretion of
the teacher. Have fun with this and keep it personal.
STRUCTURE OF THE NOTEBOOK
The notebook will be in a 3 ring binder with dividers for each section.
All papers will be 3 hole punched and placed in the binder. There are to be
no loose pages or pages torn out of spirals. The first page will be an
author’s page and will include the following…
Your full name on this sheet (you may also want your name on the
outside of the binder)
Name of the course on this sheet
3 graphics that represent you (in color)
3 graphics that represent pre-algebra topics you wish to study
The rest of the notebook will be divided into 5 sections each having the
following title.
1. Warm Ups: All warm ups are to be dated and copied into the notebook on
the sheets provided. Write Monday’s problem in the Monday box, write
Tuesday’s problem in the Tuesday box etc. Write the problem as well as the
work. Show neat and orderly procedures and circle the final answer.
2. Vocabulary: This section will be sort of a picture dictionary. All
vocab words must be completed with definitions, diagrams etc. Show whatever
best explains the word. These should be entered into the notebook in order
by chapter. Be sure to label each chapter of words. You are expected to
know and be able to use these words appropriately. They will appear on
quizzes and a test at the end of the chapter.
3. Notes/Handouts:
Each chapter of notes or unit will have a title page. All notes should be
dated and entered in chronological order. They should also include a title
and section # that corresponds to the textbook if appropriate. Teacher given
notes go on the right hand side and your own processing notes go on the
left. Processing means things that are rewritten in your own words for added
understanding. You will also work out sample questions here. Colorize your
notes. Highlite important things. Draw arrows between things on the left
and right. Use bullet techniques or capital letters to show importance. Show
a running commentary of the steps you need to follow. We’ll talk more
about this. Handouts should also be numbered and labeled appropriately so
you know what to study. Your notes should include definitions, diagrams,
graphic organizers, formulas or special equations, specific directions given
to you. You might also be given some practice problems to work out in the
processing section of the notes. Tape or glue in attachments. Use post it
notes and/or foldables. Draw or add anything that will help you to better
understand.
4. Assignments: You must have a table of contents for this section. Each
assignment will have its pages numbered in the lower right corner. You may
need to number 1a,1b,1c,2a,2b,2c etc. It might be wise to add about 50
pages of blank paper to this section now. Your name and title of assignment
will go on each homework page. Do this on the 1st and 2nd lines of the
paper. Please circle all answers on homework. Include a label to receive
full credit. Works in progress can be kept in the front pocket of binder or
you may include a folder for these. When the assignment is done, it must be
placed in the proper section of the notebook.
5. Test/Quizzes: This section does not require a table of contents. All
tests are to be entered in order by chapter. Include any tests or quizzes
you missed. Ask instructor for a blank one if you need it. Include any
corrections you may have been asked to make. Also include any retakes along
with the original test.