Lab Cards

Lab Cards

You will be examining and drawing many different types of specimens during the lab periods this quarter. For each specimen which you examine, you are expected to make at least one careful, informative drawing, appropriately labeled, on one side of a 4"x6" index card (see examples in class). One th eother side, you shoudl note any pertinent information about that organism. Cards will be checked at the first and last exams. The rirst check is worth 10 points, the rinal 50 points. Once again, lateness will be penalized.

There are a number of details which should be included on the front (drawing) side of each card.

  1. The name and taxonomic group of the specimen should be on both sides of the card. eg, Fucus, Phaeophyta.
  2. Identify whether the specimen was fresh or prepared. If prepared, was it a slide or gross specimen?
  3. Include the magnification you were using when you did the drawing. Make sure that you have correctly calculated the magnification.
  4. Label any identifiable features of the specimen.
Finally, a few words about drawings. Of course I know that most of you are not artists. However, anyone can make careful, accurate drawings. You are not being asked for fine art, you are being asked for informative accuracy. These cards should serve as a resource for you as you study, and in future if you want to remind yourself about the organisms you learned about. There are a few guidelines to improve your experience with this aspect of the class.
  • When it comes to drawings, the bigger the better. Use the space available on your cards to really show the features of the specimens you are drawing.
  • Work slowly and be patient. Take the time to really notice the features of the organisms, and draw them carefully. Remember, I do know what these things look like!
  • The drawings on your cards must be your original drawings, not copies. When you draw your specimens, your drawing is an interpretation of what you are actually seeing. When you recopy your drawings, your new drawing is an interpretation of an interpretation. Always draw directly onto your cards. Of course, I shouldn't have to tell you that you are never to copy anyone else's drawings.

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