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  Biological Collections Checklist
     Created by Priscilla Dennison for her science classes at McDougle Middle School
 


     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
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