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DIAGRAMS
One way scientists communicate is through
pictures - diagrams
Leonardo da Vinci is famous for his scientific drawings:
Flying Machine
Water Lifting Device
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A picture is worth a thousand words
In science, a picture is worth more than that.
• Many concepts would be impossible to explain without a
diagram
• Much quicker to communicate an idea
• More engaging for visual learners
Which is easier to read? This…
The primary source of energy for nearly all life is the Sun. The
energy in sunlight is introduced into the biosphere by a process
known as photosynthesis, which occurs in plants, algae and
some types of bacteria. Photosynthesis can be defined as the
physio-chemical process by which photosynthetic organisms use
light energy to drive the synthesis of organic compounds. The
photosynthetic process depends on a set of complex protein
molecules that are located in and around a highly organized
membrane. Through a series of energy transducing reactions,
the photosynthetic machinery transforms light energy into a
stable form that can last for hundreds of millions of years.
Source: http://www.life.illinois.edu/govindjee/paper/gov.html
Or this?
Rules for Scientific Diagrams
Science is about precision and fact. Correct diagrams show
exactly what is needed – No more, no less.
How to draw a correct scientific diagram:
1. Use a very sharp lead pencil.
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 hand 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!
Compare the two diagrams:
The diagram on the 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 on the right is correct
From http://nswagtc.org.au/blogs/science-guru/1078-scientific-diagrams.html
Diagram Assignment:
Read the article “Surviving the Tides”
Draw two correct scientific diagrams showing:
1. High tide
2. Low tide
3. Draw the diagram as a side-view
4. Even if you’re unsure what the plant or animal is draw a
representation of it and label it.