Classification of Leaves
Fourth graders are studying leaves this quarter. They are to prepare a leaf collection as their Science project. They are encouraged to seek help from parents, grandparents, family, and of course MYSELF!
By doing a leaf collection, students can, not only learn beneficial information about trees common to their area, but they will also learn that trees have become such a successful and diverse group of organisms. Students may bring in their near-complete projects for help with identification if needed. It would be a fun and educational project for them. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate!
You are required to follow the given guidelines:
The Guidelines are:
1. Collect different leaves
2. MUST have an example of each category in your project i.e. size, shape, texture, edge, veins, color
3. Leaves should be as undamaged as
possible.
4. Leaves should be flat. This can be
done by laying a leaf between cardboard, between pages of a magazine, or sheets
of newspaper, and laying something heavy on top of it.
5. Mount them on paper and assemble in the
folder
6. Leaves may be attached to the paper with
glue.
7. Only 1 leaf per side of paper.
8. All leaves should be labeled neatly
with:
- Type of leaf:
- Where it was found (ex…. park, school ground, backyard etc. )
- Date found:
- Found by
9. Assessment Criteria: Project
is of total 15 marks.
You will be assessed on the basis of:
- Understanding of topic (by the end of project you should
have full knowledge of types of leaves) /3
- Teamwork (project should be done in disciplined,
collaborative way and all members should get equal opportunities) /3
- Content (accurate) /3
- Research (the more
you research, the more you will understand) /3
- Oral presentation (if
you have done good research you will be able to orally present your project) /3
Helpful sites
9. Assessment Criteria: Project
is of total 15 marks.
You will be assessed on the basis of:
- Understanding of topic (by the end of project you should have full knowledge of types of leaves) /3
- Teamwork (project should be done in disciplined, collaborative way and all members should get equal opportunities) /3
- Content (accurate) /3
- Research (the more you research, the more you will understand) /3
- Oral presentation (if you have done good research you will be able to orally present your project) /3
Helpful sites
Leaves can be classified on the basis of a number of physical features like:
- color
- shape
- size
- types of veins
- edges
- texture
Classification on the basis of color:
Most leaves are green but some leaves have different colors. I am giving few examples of such leaves, you may search for more in your neighbourhood.This is a pineapple tree with green and white leaves
Pink, green and cream leaves of Mardi Gras with flowers |
Beautiful red, green and pink leaf of Ti plant |
Pinkish maroon leaves of bloody leaf
Classification on the basis of Size:
Leaves may be of surprisingly large size like palm leaves, bigger like banana leaves or as small as grass. Lets go out and explore the different sizes, choose one that can be attached to your project booklet.
Classification on the basis of veins:
You are given the choice to explore veins in different plants, you will be amazed by the diversity in types of veins you will find.
Classification on the basis of Texture:
Now texture cannot be seen. we have to touch different leaves to experience the texture but beware of some thorny leaves like cactus and be ready to enjoy velvety leaves.
Classification on the basis of types of Edges:
wavy edges of banana leaf
Classification on the basis of Shape:
These are few examples, you may search for different and interesting shapes
Spear shaped
Oval shaped
Heart shaped
Important:
Your feedback and comment will let us know how much focused you are to this project. So must comment.....