Science with Leaves (35-45 minutes)

Introduction: Discuss that the job of leaves are to make food for trees and what happens in the fall when the leaves start to change color and fall off the trees. Discuss how each tree type has different leaves with different shapes and colors. (3-5 minutes) 4 learning stations (8-10 minutes per station):

1. Leaf Examination
Students will examine different leaves and categorize by texture, color and type. Students can sort by size and type. Supplies: Leaf key with contact paper. Bring examples of leaves. Possibly graph the number of each leaf type if time allows

2. Leaf Identification Sheets

Students will match a leaf to their identification sheet and make observations of leaf. They can attach a leaf to their id sheet. Supplies: Id sheets, contact paper, pencils to write

3. Examination of parts of leaf and do leaf rubbing.

Make a leaf rubbing with crayons. Encourage students to make their leaves bright colors like leaves in the fall. Students can also look at parts of the leaves (stem, vein, ..) and compare to chart with parts of leaf. Supplies: Reference chart with leaf parts, crayons with paper removed, white copy paper

4. Examination of leaves and other tree parts with magnifying glasses.

Students will be examining all parts of a tree: bark, needles of a pine tree, pinecone, acorns Supplies: Magnifying glasses