Scientific Diagrams
Friday, 30 July 2010 18:00
Some of you will have read in the recent issue of Gifted my column about diagrams. Students commonly find it quite confusing that there are such strict rules in Science about how to draw things - after all, does it really matter? The thing is - it does.
In the same way as there are different kinds of writing structures, which classroom teachers call ‘text types' (e.g.explanation, argument, instructions, narrative) so there are different kinds drawing in Science. Learning how to construct these different kinds of drawings helps a young scientist communicate their findings more clearly and successfully to others.
Science is very much about precision and facts - and the rules about diagrams reflect this. Correct diagrams show exactly what is needed: no more, no less. They are clear, accurate line drawings with as few lines as possible.
How to draw a correct scientific diagram:
1. Use a very sharp lead pencil, preferably 2B.
2. Print a heading at the top of the page. Underline it.
3. Draw a simple, side-on view of the experiment/animal/plant (the focus of your diagram). Include only the essential details (e.g. if drawing a beaker, just draw sides and base)
4. Print (no running writing) all labels. Write them horizontally to the diagram and close to the relevant feature. Arrange them neatly around the drawing. Rule a straight line (no arrowheads) between the label and the feature. Labels should include purpose of feature (e.g. pouch: where immature young develop)
5. Rule all straight lines, including underlining headings and titles. Do not underline labels!
The diagram above left has many flaws:
* unnecessary shading makes the image unclear
* unnecessary detail is shown - e.g. three dimensional drawing of table and flask
* label lines have arrowheads
* labels are arranged all over the diagram and are too far away from the relevant label line
* it has no title or date
The diagram above right is correct, except that the date is not completely shown (thank the scanner for that!).
What's interesting this week? Scientists seem to have found some more specific causes of coeliac disease and are working on immunotherapy treatment. (See http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/07/22/2959017.htm)
Pictures: Some astonishing new deep sea creatures have been discovered off Queensland's coast. (Great pictures at http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/#id=2955520&num=0 )
I'm watching: Life - David Attenborough's latest brilliant documentary series, with astonishing work done by the cinematographers. Don't miss it on ABC1, Sundays 7.30pm for next nine weeks. Also available on iView.
Just in...
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