Curated OER
Science: Leaf Study
First graders go on a leaf-hunting expedition around the schoolyard. They determine from which trees they fell using identification cards. Students read several books about leaves and apply their artistic skills by using the collected...
Curated OER
Creating a Leaf Collection and Herbarium
Students gather and identify leaves for a collection. They discuss how a leaf's form reflects its adaptation to its environment. They press the leaves in a book and glue them on construction paper.
Curated OER
Leaves: All-Natural Solar Collectors
Take a good look at tree leaves and notice the adaptations for collecting solar energy. Pupils trace the margins of five different leaves onto graph paper and count the number of squares covered. They then relate this infomation to the...
Curated OER
Take a Closer Look
Students examine how to determine the species of a tree through the examination of the bark and leaves. They create tree rubbings, match bark samples with trees on a nature walk, match leaves using a tree identification guide, and...
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Ten Important Hardwoods
Students discuss ten important Pennsylvania hardwood trees, examine characteristics of each tree species, evaluate economic and ecological importance of hardwood trees, and recognize at least two characteristics of each species.
Curated OER
Forestry and Forestry Products
High school and college learners identify forestry career opportunities. They identify the parts of a tree cross-section and trees based on their leaves and characteristics. Pupils calculate board feet and explain safe methods of...
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Maple Syrup
Students explore maple syrup. In this natural resources instructional activity, students identify a maple tree in their neighborhood and observe the sap. Students sample maple products and create a graph of the taste-testing results.
Curated OER
Forest Ecosystem
Learners take a field trip and explore a temperate rainforest. For this rainforest lesson plan, students discuss many items they see on their journey and experiment with different tree leaves.
New South Wales Department of Education
Plant Features
Pine needles are actually modified leaves. In the 16th installment of 20, young scientists explore plants. Through an analysis of leaves — shape, veins, and edges — pupils see how to classify plants based on structural features.
Curated OER
Forest Habitats
In this identification lesson, 3rd graders view photographs of different kinds of forests, learn where forests are located, and discuss seasonal changes in forests. Students read Look What I Did With a Leaf, collect leaves, identify...
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Land Use Issues
Students examine living and non-living things in their environment. They identify trees, plants, and grasses in their neighborhood and those that originate in Illinois in this unit of lessons.
Curated OER
Uniquely Leaves
Fourth graders study the uniquely diverse structural design of leaves and demonstrate knowledge of interdependence between structure and environment through research, laboratory activity and written summary.
Curated OER
Let it Grow!
Students explain the relationship of plants and animals in the environment. They name the basic requirements for plant growth and define the terms photosynthesis, stomata, chlorophyll and xylem.
Curated OER
Ecosystem Energizers
Fourth graders see how the flow of energy through an ecosystem made up of producers, consumers, and decomposers carries out the processes of life and that some energy dissipates as heat and is not recycled.
Curated OER
In the Wild
Third graders examine the concept of ecology and how animals are suited to their habitats. For this animal adaptation lesson, 3rd graders identify a variety of plants and animal species that live in a Beech forest.Students create a food...
Curated OER
Most Troublesome Exotic Invasive Plant Species Web Quest
Learners participate in a Web Quest activity in which they identify common exotic invasive plant species of the Southern Appalachian Region. After identifying the top 10 exotic invasive species, they choose one to research in depth.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Missouri Botanical Garden: Temperate Deciduous Forest Leaf Identification
You identify deciduous trees by the shapes of their leaves. Link to complete tutorial on types of leaves.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Tree Leaf Identification and Leaf Display Activity
In this Biology field activity, students collect tree leaves and seeds to make an identified collection after drying in a plant press, a phone book, or in magazines.
Other
The National Arbor Day Foundation: What Tree Is That?
Imagine a world without trees. Students can click on a barren field to see the transformation of the bare dirt by plants and trees. The authors include an online reference guide that lists the benefits of trees and an excellent...
Other
North Dakota State University: A Guide to Deciduous Tress
Tutorial on deciduous tree identification. Diagrams and descriptions of the four major deciduous tree groups.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Classify the Trees/leaves
Students go outside to look for trees and gather leaves. Working cooperatively they will sort and try to classify the trees by the characteristics of their leaves.
Other
Ohio Public Library: What Tree Is It?
An online resource for tree identification by common name, scientific name, leaf, or fruit.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Why Are Trees Important?
After reading about trees and having a class discussion, students go to a local park to observe trees and collect leaves. Back in class, the leaves are sorted and identified to see what tree types are most common. Additional ideas for...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Tree Identification: Compare and Contrast Deciduous and Evergreen Leaves
Students observe differences in tree leaves leading them to an understanding of the terms deciduous, evergreen, and coniferous. Children will compare and contrast leaves and then, viewing a chart key, use what they know to help them...