PRE-PUBLICA TION EDITION - Nelson Education

Scientific DrawingsScientific drawings are done to record observationsas accurately as possible. They are also used tocommunicate, which means that they must be clear,well labelled, and easy to understand. Below aresome tips that will help you produce useful scientificdrawings.Getting StartedThe following materials and ideas will help you getstarted:• Use plain, blank paper. Lines might obscure yourdrawing or make your labels confusing.• Use a sharp pencil rather than a pen or markeras you will probably need to erase parts of yourdrawing and do them over again (Figure 8).• Observe and study your specimen or equipmentcarefully, noting details and proportions, beforeyou begin the drawing.thermometerwater containingsodium chlorideboiling chiphot platebeakerstand withbeaker clampwire gauzeFigure 8 Your drawing of an experimental setup shouldshow how the equipment was assembled.Scale RatioYou may want to indicate the actual size of yourobject on your drawing. To do this, use a ratiocalled the scale ratio.• If your diagram is 10 times larger than thereal object (e.g., a tiny organism), your scaleratio is 10×.size of drawing• In general, scale ratio = ​ ________________actual size of object ​You can also show the actual size of the object onyour diagram (Figure 9).actual size, 5 cmFigure 9 This is an example of a scientific drawing thatindicates the actual size of the object.Checklist for Scientific DrawingUse plain, blank (unlined) paper and a sharp, hardpencil.Draw as large as necessary to show details clearly.Do not shade or colour.Draw label lines that are straight and run outsideyour drawing. Use a ruler.Include labels, a title or caption, and, if appropriate,the magnification of the microscope you are using.• Create drawings large enough to show details. Forexample, a third of a page might be appropriatefor a diagram CSH-F54C-SHOS10SB.aiof a single cell or a unicellularorganism. When drawing lab equipment, do notinclude unnecessary details.• Label your diagram clearly. Use a ruler to drawthe label lines.B614 Skills Handbook NEL