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Leaf Prints

Students will explore various tree species as they create leaf prints that will become a cover for a tree identification guide.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Leaves
  • Paper
  • Stapler and Staples

Steps

  • Step 1

    Ask students if they can name some of the tree species that grow in your region. Have them then look up some of the types and note how the leaves' function and shape are related. Do they know the difference between deciduous trees and coniferous trees? Ask them to note some characteristics of each. Then ask them to diagram the anatomy of a deciduous leaf and label the parts, such as the stem, petiole, vein, venule, midrib, etc. Ask students to explore why conifer needles are structured differently than the ones they diagramed.

  • Step 2

    Take the class outside on a nice autumn day and ask them to gather some fallen leaves. If there aren't fallen leaves near your school, ask students to research, draw, and cut out the various types of leaf shapes. Encourage them to explore leaves of various shapes and sizes.

  • Step 3

    Have students prepare an illustrated guide that identifies the kinds of tree their leaves are from. Then have them create a leaf print painting to use as a cover for their guide. They will dip the side of a leaf that has the most prominent veins into paint and then press it firmly onto thick paper to make the print. When the art is dry, staple it to the guide as a cover.

  • Step 4

    Have students present their leaf guides to other classes, perhaps by displaying them in the school or community library.

Standards

SCI: Ask questions about the features of phenomena observed and conclusions drawn from investigations or models. 

SCI:  Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

Adaptations

Invite a local botanist, landscape architect, or plant nursery worker to talk to the class about trees that are native to the region and dendrology - the study of trees and woody plants.

Have students explore flora and trees that do not grow in your region. Suggestions include types of plants and trees of the desert such as fox tail agave and the Joshua tree, or trees that grow in warmer climates such as palm trees and citrus trees in Florida.