Drawing is a way of recording observations and is a good method for studying the structure and functions of objects in science. As in other methods of recording information, accuracy is important. There is a specific method for making Biological Illustrations. Follow the steps and examples, below:

1. Use blank paper or graph paper.

2. Make a border with a ruler 2.54 cm (1 inch) from the edges of the paper.

3. Make all drawings and labels inside this border.

4. Use pencil (sharp).

5. Make clean line drawings. Do not smear or shade.

6. To darken areas, stipple (dots).

7. Label the drawings. Always PRINT and make labels HORIZONTAL.

8. Use rulers to connect labels with structures.

9. Do not cross label lines.

10. You must number all labels in a clockwise fashion. If there are a large number of labels or the labels are large, you may use only numbers. If you do you must include a key to those numbers.

11. If you are allowed to use color, you must still make line drawings first in the above manner. You may fill with color, using markers or colored pencils. NEVER DRAW WITH A COLORED PENCIL, PEN, OR MARKER.

12. When making a drawning from a microscope, you must also make a circle inside the 1-inch border.

13. You may make up to 2 circles on one page.

14. Draw the object in the microscope to scale. The circle represents the objective (eyepiece). Make the size of the drawn object proportional in size to the circle as seen in the microscope.

15. Measure the object as instructed by your teacher. Place calculations on drawing in the upper left corner. Measure in millimeters and micrometers.

16. Always label the drawing Figure 1., 2., 3., etc.,  at the bottom with a number and a title. If from a microscope always label the power after the title: 100X, 400X, etc.

17. When making a drawing from a book or other Figure, you do not need a circle. Simply draw what you seen within the border, including labels.