Flower dissection & scientific drawing - A-level core practical ✂️🌺✍️

The ability to accurately observe, dissect and record an organism is a key skill for biology students. Many students are intimidated by the idea of making a scientific drawing, and struggle to develop their skills in this area.

This video will guide you through how to complete a dissection and scientific drawing of a flower. We recommend using Alstroemeria, as they are regularly available in supermarkets. However, there is an alternative version in which students follow in the footsteps of Darwin, making careful observations and dissections of primulas. Primulas are available in garden centres through much of the late autumn, winter and spring months, and flower in the garden in spring.

0:00 Credits
0:17 Step 1 - remove sepals
0:45 Step 2 - remove petals
1:11 Step 3 - remove stamens opposite sepals
1:54 Step 4 - remove stamens opposite petals
2:21 Step 5 - bissect the ovary
2:58 Step 6 - identify the line of symmetry in the flower
3:16 Step 7 - slice along the line of symmetry
3:32 Step 8 - continue slicing through the petals
4:00 Step 9 - arrange the parts for drawing
4:21 Step 10 - observe the flower parts
4:55 Step 11 - produce anatomical flower drawing

Follow our channel for biology practicals and more.
Teaching and technical notes plus student sheets: https://www.saps.org.uk/dissection
#saps #alevelbiology #flowers