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# How to take mini notes in Obsidian
> SS 321: Soil Morphology
> Winter 2023
> [!note] Learning Objectives
> - describe and evaluate atomic note-taking and writing-to-learn for building knowledge
> - learn how to use Obsidian to take and connect notes
> - practice using the mini note template to structure notes about soil formation
# Before class
Please prepare for this class activity:
- Download Obsidian to your computer (for free) at https://obsidian.md/download
- Download the [[mini note template - website|mini note template]] from canvas (.md file found in the assignments folder)
![[obsidian-logo.png|200]]
# In class activity
In class, we will discuss the following as a group:
#### Group discussion
- Discuss the value of atomic note taking for building knowledge[^1]
>[!idea] Goals of the mini note
> - to create a structure to capture ideas as you learn them
> - to facilitate writing-to-learn
![[mini-note-diagram.png]]
[^1]: The mini note assignment is based off of ideas in Sönke Ahren's [[How to Take Smart Notes]] (https://www.soenkeahrens.de/en/takesmartnotes), Luhmann's Zettlekasten method for academic note-taking and writing, and Dr. Pressler's [[principles of studying]] methods for active reading, writing-to-learn, and frequent engagement with the material.
<div style="page-break-after: always;"></div>
#### Obsidian demonstration
- Introduce Obsidian as a useful tool for note taking
- Make [[mini note template - website|mini note template]] a template in settings (https://help.obsidian.md/Plugins/Templates)
#### Mini note practice
- Review and discuss [[mini note template - website|mini note template]]
- Example mini note 1
- Example mini note 2
- Link mini notes 1 and 2
- Explore graph view
- Review [[SS 321 mini note assignment - website|mini note assignment]]
# Useful Links to Get You Started with Obsidian
Learn how to format your notes in Obsidian here: https://help.obsidian.md/How+to/Format+your+notes
Obsidian help documentation: https://help.obsidian.md/Obsidian/Index