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Over a given period of time, each
student will collect 20 biological specimens primarily from
their backyard. After collection, he/she will biologically preserve,
properly identify genus and species, label and display his/her
collection in a prescribed arrangement.
1.
Content (See Rubric)
2.
Product
The collection must include exactly 20 specimens.
Each specimen must be scientifically identified and properly
labeled as follows:
Common
name White
Oak
Genus, species Quercus,
alba
Collected by P
Dennison
City, State Carrboro,
N.C.
Date Collected 10/99
The box
must be a solid color. Cardboard should be spray painted or
covered.
The color of the background should accentuate specimens.
The box may be sealed with a clear covering.
Specimens must be attached using pins or glue.
3.
Process
Collection choices are due by October.
Specimens must be properly preserved.
Specimens must be collected over a designated period of time.
Project should be turned in by_______________.
4. Mechanics
SEE GRADE SHEET
Title and student name
Correct spelling
Legible, neat, blank ink, printed text (no cursive)
Latin name properly written
(typed in italics or handwritten and underlined, first letter
of the first word capitalized, ie Quercus, alba or Quercus,
alba
BIOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS
RUBRIC
| NUMBER |
20
specimens |
20
specimens |
20
specimens |
20
specimens |
20
specimens |
| IDENTIFICATION |
Common
name and Family, Genus, species |
Common
name and Family, Genus, species |
Common
name and Family, Genus, species
|
Common
name, Genus, species |
Common
name |
TYPES
OF
SPECIMENS |
All
are excellent representations of species.All specimens from
same scientific Family |
Most
are excellent representations of species.All specimens from
same scientific Family |
Many
are excellent representations of species. |
Some
are excellent representations of species. |
Some
are excellent representations of species. |
|
Interpretative
and Predictive Site Summary |
Interpretative
Site Summary |
Site
description or map |
|
|
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
"What's
In A Name" is a process oriented, student made natural
collection. It begins with a thorough introduction to Carolus
Linnaeus, the founder of the modern system of classifying life
forms binomially. We marvel together at the quality and scientific
genius of Mr. Linnaeus' system - one that has stood the test
of time and technology. Then students practice classification
using Latin based word choices, gaining comfort and pronunciation
practice for actual Latin genus and species identification.
As the unit progresses we discuss proper specimen selection,
drying, pressing and mounting, and identification using taxonomy
based keys. The weeks of fall are designated collection days
as students head to their study sites - usually backyard areas
to collect 25 specimens. These specimens arrive in groups of
5 on "check-up" days, where they are deposited in
classroom shoeboxes for pressing and safe storage.
In the
winter months we continue to check on our specimens - watching
their drying and protecting against disintegration. We solicit
our scientific and parent community to come assist us on identification
days, dividing up at the large library tables with identification
guides and specimens. The student groups compare and discuss
their identification choices with the volunteers that show up
to add their own knowledge to the process. After a number of
block classes spent in this manner, we have a complete list
of the common names, Latin genus and species names, dates collected,
collectors and site names for each of the 25 collected specimens.
Our final
step is the process of each student mounting his or her 20 best
preserved and identified objects in "Coke flats" -
boxes saved all year from our drink machines in the building.
This is done at home or in after school sessions specifically
set up for support. Each day in class I demonstrate a step in
the mounting process - from spray-painting my box to carefully
pinning each label down under the specimens. Then, the students
go home to do that same step for their homework. Thus, day-by-day
we build Specimens for public viewing. At the end of this project
we are tired and amazed at the complexity of the process. The
students are also extremely proud of the incredible sight of
110 collections lined up for all to see and learn from. McDougle
public library patrons have been especially supportive of this
display and make many comments about the quality of the students
work, adding to the educational benefits as others learn from
our work.
SCIENCE COLLECTION GRADING
RUBRIC
YOUR NAME_____________________________________
Class Per._______
| REQUIREMENTS
|
POSSIBLE
PTS.
|
YOURS
|
TEACHER
|
*On
Time
(Monday homebase, Nov 22) |
10
|
|
|
*Correct
specimen label info
Common name
Latin name (Genus, species)
Collected by F. Last
Chapel Hill, N.C.
10/99 |
10
|
|
|
*Computer
Printed Title
(your name, backyard collection) |
10
|
|
|
| *Free
standing |
10
|
|
|
*Number
of specimens
(20 Total) |
10
|
|
|
*Specimen
quality
(pressed, intact)
|
10
|
|
|
*Layout
(even spacing) |
10
|
|
|
*Label
format
(legible, printed in black ink, correct spelling) |
10
|
|
|
| Self-grading
completed |
5
|
|
|
Parent
Signature
"This looks good to me!"
_______________________ |
5
|
|
|
| TOTAL
POSSIBLE POINTS |
100
|
|
|
|
