The skills that you learn through this project are absolutely necessary if you continue on in either Anatomy & Physiology 2 or Microbiology. A&P2, in particular, features a great deal of complex histology and you’ll need to have a strong foundation in basic tissue structure from A&P1 to do well in A&P2. If you do this well, this notebook will be invaluable to you in A&P2.
Below, I’ve tried to predict (and answer) the most common questions you may have.
- What kind of notebook should I use for this project?
- Okay, I've got myself a notebook. How should I start?
- How will I know what belongs in my notebook?
- I hate to/can’t draw. How will that affect my grade?
- If I want to add extra information (pictures, notes, diagrams, etc.) to my notebook, is that okay?
- Do I need to supplement my Histology Notebook with extra pictures or diagrams?
- If I do want to stick things into my Notebook, is there any specific way you want that done?
- How much space should I reserve for each entry?
- Do my entries have to be in a specific order?
- When will my Histology Notebook be collected?
- What kind of notebook should I use for this project?
- You should get a bound notebook. The easiest type to
find is a lined composition notebook (black and white
cardboard cover) that can be purchased at most
supermarkets and convenience stores.
The best kind (in my opinion) is a sketchbook or journal. These can be purchased cheaply in the clearance section at most Borders or Barnes and Noble stores, at a craft store like Michael’s or AC Moore, or at an office supply store like Staples or Office Depot. They can usually be found either lined or unlined (your preference). If you’re like me and enjoy splurging, get a Moleskine sketchbook at Borders or Barnes and Noble. The paper quality is great.
You should NOT use a spiral-bound notebook, a pad, or a three-ring binder with filler paper, as they aren’t acceptable as lab notebooks in science classes or science careers.
- Okay, I've got myself a notebook. How should I start?
- First, I’d number the first 30 pages or so. Just a
little number in one of the corners. Reserve the first
3-4 pages for the Table of Contents. If your notebook
isn’t lined, you may want to tape/glue in some lined
paper to make it easier to read. After these pages, set
aside a page for the Microscope Information Table (see
Lab 1 Objectives). Once you fill out this table, cut it
out and stick it into your notebook. Make sure you update
your Table of Contents!
- How will I know what belongs in my notebook?
- For each lab, you have received a list of Objectives.
If there’s anything that needs to go in your notebook,
you’ll see it explained in great detail in these
Objectives. I’ve also attached a Histology Notebook
Checklist to this document. This compiles ALL of
information from ALL of the Objective sheets. Use this
checklist when it’s time to turn in your notebook to make
sure you haven’t forgotten anything!
- I hate to/can’t draw. How will that affect my grade?
- Part of your grade on this project will depend on how
well you recreate the tissue in your notebook. I
personally don’t believe that you have to be a talented
artist to sketch well. The secret is to take your
time. Force yourself to spend at least 10 minutes on
each drawing, and keep looking into the microscope again
and again so you understand what you’re looking at. I
certainly don’t expect photo quality drawings; I just
want you to prove to me that you know and understand what
you’re seeing.
Also, use your Lab Manual, textbook and Brief Atlas of the Human Body to give you an idea for what to look for, but DON’T copy your drawings out of books. That gets you a quick zero points.
Hint: If you feel underwhelmed by your artistry, I recommend that you supplement your Notebook with pictures from your book or those that you find online. (You still need to draw, though!)
- If I want to add extra information (pictures, notes, diagrams, etc.) to my notebook, is that okay?
- Absolutely. Anything that you think will be helpful
should certainly be put in there. Just make sure that you
put an entry in the Table of Contents for it!
- Do I need to supplement my Histology Notebook with extra pictures or diagrams?
- No. You can get full credit by just doing what is
required, but you should feel free to embellish your
notebook with any information (in the form of notes or
pictures) that helps you.
- If I do want to stick things into my Notebook, is there any specific way you want that done?
- No, not really. Tape or glue is fine. If you want to
get fancy, rubber cement does a nice job and looks really
professional, but it certainly isn’t required.
- How much space should I reserve for each entry?
- It depends on the entry. In each set of Lab
Objectives, I’ll recommend how many pages you may want to
set aside. If you end up not using all of the pages I
recommend, that’s fine.
- Do my entries have to be in a specific order?
- No. Just make sure that each entry is listed in your
Table of Contents and that the Table of Contents is in
the front. That said, I do recommend that you follow the
order that we cover the tissues. I’ve designed this
experience so that the tissues follow a logical
progression; if you go out of order, you’ll probably not
get as much from the process.
- When will my Histology Notebook be collected?
- You will turn it in on the day of Lab Exam 2 and I
will grade it using the Grading Rubric. You’ll get it
back when you take the final exam. I am more than willing
to look over your Notebook at various times during the
semester to give you feedback on your work.