Science notebooks can be used to help students develop, practice, and refine their science understanding, while also enhancing reading, writing, mathematics and communications. As teachers involve students in inquiry-based science investigations, the need to communicate science learning in new ways has become evident. If students are encouraged to communicate their understanding of concepts through science notebook writings, these notebooks can be an effective strategy to help students learn science.

Science notebooks contain information about the students' classroom experiences with students encouraged to use them as scientists would - before, during, and after all investigations. Notebooks are a place where students formulate and record their questions, make predictions, record data, procedures, and results, compose reflections, and communicate findings.