Parts of a snake

Cutaway diagram with detail

In this cutaway diagram, part of the skin of the snake has been "peeled away" to reveal the lungs and the tail's skeleton.

A detail is a section of the diagram that has been enlarged, so that tiny parts can be seen more clearly. In this diagram some of the scales have been enlarged in a "detail" placed inside a circle.

Why use cutaway diagrams in the classroom?

• To show the key features of animals, which are often hidden.
• To show how engines, machines, or equipment work.
• To provide a vocabulary list of key terms needed in an explanation (such as "How a ... works")
• To write a report (such as "What are the differences between birds, mammals and dinosaurs?")

Why use detail diagrams in the classroom?

• To show an important but small detail (such as parts of a flower when explaining pollination).
• To explain how parts are assembled (such as when making a model plane, or assembling a tent, or connecting a computer to a printer).
• Many science, technology, craft, and social studies topics can be explained, summarized or illustrated using these diagrams.

Other diagrams to compare with this one:

• Diagram with labels (picture glossary)
• Scale diagram
• Cross section
• Exploded diagram
• Diagram with color coding

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Copyright © Black Cockatoo Publishing PL 2004

A cutaway diagram shows us "hidden" parts of a subject by removing part of its surface.

Key features

• Cutaway: an area of the surface has been removed so we can see inside

• Labels and arrows: to name parts of the subject

• Detail: to show a part enlarged, in order to see very small but important details.

Assessment

For assessment sheets see The Information Toolkit, Book C, page 26.