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Abstract Detail

Teaching Section

Teaching Plant Anatomy & Morphology Based Upon Examples from Botanical Forensics and Archaeobotany and the Additional Collections at the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium.

Declining enrollments in botanical courses have forced many of us to re-think our approaches to teaching. Students of today are exposed to botanical forensics and archaeobotany in popular TV shows, which unfortunately show poor knowledge of the subject matter. Thus, in 2004, I instituted a one-semester, alternate year graduate course in Plant Anatomy and Morphology based upon this interest of the students. This has attracted students from ecology, aquaculture, horticulture, criminal justice, art history and restoration, etc., outside our previous sources of students in botany. The lectures and laboratories include the traditional subject material of plant anatomy and morphology with the addition of pollen collection and analysis, phytolith analysis, recovery of archaeological remains, wood analysis, dried botanicals, fiber analysis, and paper-making. Fortunately, the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium has Additional Collections which include a Xylarium (wood collection), Corticarium (bark collection), Fibrarium (fiber collection), Fruits/Cones/Seeds Collection, Dried Botanicals Collection, Potpourri Ingredients Collection, and a Botanical Bead Collection. In addition, one lab session includes the preparation of botanical drawings in ink using the stippled technique, and students are required to submit a final drawing for grading. Exams are often take-home and include real samples or photomicrographs set in terms of a crime scene or archaeological site. Answers must include identifications, methodology of identifications (using proper vocabulary), and interpretation of the scene or dig. Students must utilize the Additional Collections in the Herbarium to confirm their identifications and cite specific specimens when applicable.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Del, Dept. of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Claude E. Phillips Herbarium, 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE, 19901-2277, USA

Keywords:
Plant collections
plant anatomy
Plant morphology.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PTE001
Abstract ID:135