Students will collect a variety of leaves (or photograph them using a digital camera) from around their community and observe several characteristics. These leaves will be placed on a chart and each trait will be indicated. Traits will include veins, edges, leaf shape, arrangement and tree shape. (Pictures of each are provided for easy understanding.) Conclusions can be drawn regarding the trees growing in their area.
Can you draw any conclusions about the environment from the types of leaves you found?
Which traits were the easiest for you to use in classifying?
Students will collect a variety of different leaves from around their area, and photograph them with a digital camera (if available)
Students will learn to classify leaves by a variety of traits (edges, shape, size, veins, etc.).
Students will complete a Data Collection Sheet, indicating the classifications of their leaves.
(optional) Students will use a tree or leaf guide to determine what trees grow in their area.
(optional) Students will also determine if the tree is native to the area or if someone planted it.
Students will classify leaves into a variety of groups based on characteristics, such as toothed edges and parallel veins.
Student Data Collection Sheet
The student data collection sheet "Identifying Your Leaves" should be used for students to enter their data after collecting or photographing their leaves. It includes pictures of all of their options. The information on the sheet will be used to fill out the Data Form, through which information will be shared with others.
This tree identification web site is Steve Nix, a professional forester who researches, analyzes, and manages forest resources in the southern United States.
Recommended book for tree identification
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees
Collect leaves from around your area.
Take close up pictures (if a digital camera is available) of the leaves you have collected.
Print out the attached Data Collection Sheet to use as a reference in deciding each of the characteristics of the leaf. (Note to teacher: the data sheet is 7 pages long, and can be used for only one leaf at a time. Therefore, you may want to use it as a reference tool only, if you intend to have each child do several leaves.)
After you have collected information using the printed out data collection sheet, input the information into the data form "Identifying Your Leaves."
If it is appropriate, use the information you gathered on the leaves to identify the type of tree from which each leaf came. This may be achieved through referencing the books or web sites listed under "Optional Resources."
If it seems appropriate, use the optional resources to investigate whether the tree is native to your region, or if it was purposefully planted there by humans.
You can use your observations to group leaves according to one or more common characteristics. Example - all the pinnate veins in one group, all the alternating leaves with smooth edges in one group, etc.
Using the characteristics to find the type of tree can be quite a challenge, but many students are up to it! Challenge them to be detectives!
Duration: Day 1: Leave collection and photography.
Day 2: Completion of Data Collection Sheet
Day 3: Inputting of information on Aurora Data Sheet
Day 4 & 5: (optional) Research to conclude type of tree & natural regions.
Keen observation is an important life skill. Encourage your son or daughter to use this skill during this activity and beyond.
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