Activity 5: How to Preserve and Label Dry Plant Specimens

Activity #5

How to Preserve and Label
Dry Plant Specimens

OBJECTIVE: Students will learn how to preserve a dry plant specimen by correctly mounting and labeling it on herbarium (or construction) paper.
NOTE: To help students do this correctly, written student instructions are on Student Activity Sheet #5a.

When the plant specimens have dried and it is time to mount them on herbarium paper, the teacher will need to demonstrate how this is done. The process is easy, but may require some practice. Once the teacher is confident about the process, take the students through each of the following steps:

1) Make a solution of one-half water and one-half white glue by mixing them together in a beaker or jar.

2) Place a 14" X 16" piece of glass (or a cafeteria tray) in the middle of several newspapers (to help keep glue drips to a minimum).

3) Leaving a space around the edge of the glass (or tray), spread the glue/water solution evenly with a paint brush or folded paper towel. Do not cover the whole glass (or tray) with glue; leave a clean margin around the edge.

4) Examine the dry plant specimen and select which side should be positioned facing up.

5) Place the dry plant specimen on a sheet of herbarium paper and position it to leave room for a label in the bottom right corner. The paper may be marked lightly with a pencil to show the position of the plant.

6) Carefully place the dry plant specimen on the glue solution on the glass or tray. Take care not to get too much glue on the specimen.

7) Pick the specimen up out of the glue and hold it for a minute so excess glue can drip off. Carefully place the plant on the herbarium paper as marked. Don't smear the glue around - just lay the plant specimen straight down.

8) Place waxed-paper over the specimen and place weights (usually books) on top of the waxed-paper until the glue is dry.

9) Place the Plant Collecting Data Form with the plant or write all the collection data (from the plant press newspaper) lightly in pencil on the lower right corner of the mounted specimen. Later a formal label with all the information written in proper form will be placed on the lower corner (See next page).

SPECIAL NOTE: Stress the need to be NEAT. Glue smeared all over the plant or paper does not make an appealing specimen. Middle school students can make a mess with watery glue very quickly.

Have each group mount a plant specimen and check their work.