Thursday, April 2, 2015

Project " Classification of leaves"

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



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


Picture



Pinkish maroon leaves of bloody leaf


Picture

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: 

Picture

wavy edges of banana leaf




Classification on the basis of Shape: 

These are few examples, you may search for different and interesting shapes 

Picture   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.....