Leafy Lines
Grade Level: 1
Suggested Order: Week 2
Suggested Time: 1 hour
Lesson Type: Final Project (Medical Sciences and Wellness)
Overview
Students will observe and describe leaves, then use them in design patterns. Students will go on a
nature walk to collect leaves, twigs, and other natural found materials. Students will use
observation and comparison.
Vocabulary
- Leaf
- Stem
- Bud
- Seed
- Flower
- Root
- Veins
- Capillaries
- Symmetry
- Asymmetry
- Shapes
- Design
Objectives
- Students will use observation and comparison.
- Students will learn biology and botany, engage in outdoor activity, and experiment with
design elements.
Required Project Materials
- Leaves, twigs, and other natural found items
- Magnifying glass
- Paper
- Glue
Multimedia Resources
- Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobab. Barbara Bash. http://amzn.com/1578050863
Optional Multimedia Resources
Before the Lesson/ Background Information
The Lesson
Part 1: Leaf Analysis
- Read Tree of Life, and use discussion questions to begin topic:
- Why do plants have leaves?
- Do you know where oxygen comes from?
- Do all leaves look alike?
- Do leaves change colors?
- Are all leaves green?
2. Lead the students on a nature walk in a leafy area on or off school grounds. Instruct them to
carefully collect leaves of different types. Also collect dropped twigs, flowers, seeds, and any
other useful items.
3. Back in class, students should explore the leaf by looking at it through the magnifying glass.
4. Students should then trace the outline of the leaf on the paper.
5. Students may draw the veins in the leaves and color the leaves.
6. Read another story about leaves (optional).
Part 2: Design and Build
- Using the found objects, students should place leaves on wax paper or contact paper in
construction paper frame and hang in window, make leaf paintings, or make a sculpture from
found objects.
- To keep leaves soft, place in one part glycerin and two parts water, soak overnight 24 hours.
Remove and press between newspapers.
- At the end of the week, hold an exhibit of the students’ creations.