Classification of Leaves

 
Fourth graders are studying leaves this quarter.  They are to prepare a leaf collection as their science project.  I encourage them 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. These will be discussed in detail in class later. Students may bring in their near-complete projects for help with identification if needed.I want this to be a fun and educational project for them.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate!

                                                   Happy Hunting,

                                                   Miss Wajeeha

    The Guidelines are:

1.    Collect different leaves

2.   MUST have an example of the all the types of leaves 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; )

Date found

Found by

9.   Assessment Criteria: Project is of total 15 marks. you will be assesses on

    Understanding of topic(by the end of project you should have full knowledge of types of leaves)

    teamwork (project should be done in disciplined, collaborative way and all members should get equal opportunities)

    content (accurate)

    research (the more you research, the more you will understand) ,

    Oral presentation (if you have done good research you will be able to orally present your project).

Where To Get Leaves

Backyard

Neighbors

Parks

School ground

Helpful sites

http://departments.bloomu.edu/biology/ricketts/leaf_edges.html 
http://plantersenvy.com/plants-wpictures.html  
http://www.pbase.com/bobc/leaf&page=all 
http://theseedsite.co.uk/leafshapes.html

Additional Information

Leaf:
A leaf is an above the ground part of plant. Leaves are mostly green in color. 

Parts of a Leaf:
 

Leaf Function:
Leaves are the powerhouse of plants. In most plants, 
leaves are the major site of food production for the plant.
 Structures within a leaf convert the energy in sunlight into 
chemical energy that the plant can use as food.
Chlorophyll is the molecule in leaves that uses the energy
 in sunlight to turn water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide gas (CO₂)
 into sugar and oxygen gas (O₂). 
 This process is called photosynthesis. 
  

Classification of leaves:

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: 

I would again give you 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: 

I have posted few examples, you may search for different and interesting shapes 

Spear shaped leaves of Ivy

Oval leaf of oregano plant

Heart shaped leaves of a bean plant