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Cornell notes template

Updated on October 28, 2026

The Cornell method splits your notes into three parts: the class notes, a column of cues and questions, and a summary at the end. On paper, a line divides the page. In an online note, the three parts become sections, and reviewing gets even easier.

Biology · Class 5 · Photosynthesis

Date: 2026-11-05

Class notes

  • Happens in the chloroplasts, mainly in leaves
  • Needs light, water and carbon dioxide
  • Produces glucose and releases oxygen
  • Light reactions: depend on light, split water
  • Calvin cycle: fixes carbon and builds glucose

Cues and questions

  • Where does photosynthesis happen?
  • What is the difference between the light reactions and the Calvin cycle?
  • Where does the released oxygen come from?
  • Chlorophyll, chloroplast, glucose

Summary

In two or three sentences, in your own words: the plant uses light to turn water and carbon dioxide into glucose, releasing oxygen. The light reactions capture energy from light; the Calvin cycle uses that energy to make glucose.

Review

  • Reviewed the next day
  • Reviewed after a week
  • Reviewed before the exam

How to use it

  1. Create the note before class with "Use this template", in the subject’s folder (for example, biology/class-05).
  2. During class, write only under "Class notes": short sentences, one idea per item, without trying to copy everything.
  3. The same day, reread and fill in "Cues and questions" with the questions those notes answer.
  4. Write the summary in your own words, without looking. If you get stuck, that shows what you need to study again.

How to review

The method’s strength is in reviewing. Read only the questions section and try to answer out loud before looking at your notes. Whatever you get wrong or cannot recall goes into the next review. The checkboxes at the end help you space it out: a day later, a week later and before the exam. Short, spaced reviews work better than one long read the night before.

Tips

  • Prefer questions to single words: "What is the difference between the light reactions and the Calvin cycle?" forces you to recall the whole explanation.
  • If the teacher says "this will be on the exam", start the note with EXAM and turn it into a question later.
  • Use search (Ctrl+K) in the subject folder to find a topic across all classes at once.
  • For material with formulas or drawings, take a photo of the board and attach it in the note’s Files tab.

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