E.T. A LOCAL WAY OF LEARNING E-54

Title: KEY A TREE LEAF

AUTHOR: Kathryn Doss
Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School

Grade Level: 4

Concepts: Disciplines:
6. Resources 1.Language Arts
12. Stewardship 2.Art
3.Science
4.Mathematics

Objective:

Each Group will collect a set of leaves and will develop a dichotomous key for
the collection. The key will be illustrated.

Rationale:

Trees are a valuable renewable resource. By more closely observing leaves of
trees around us we will begin to appreciate their diversity, beauty, and value.
This is a starting point for developing a sense of stewardship.

Materials Needed:

For each group, one paper bag, a 4' x 4' piece of light colored paper, felt
marker or crayon.

Directions/Activity:

Divide students into groups of 3-5. Each group collects or brings from home one
sample of each kind of tree leaf they can find. If the tree has less than 20
leaves do not take a sample; instead draw a sketch of the leaf. Return to
meeting point for instructions for constructing the key.

Making the Key

Divide leaves into two groups according to some characteristic such as single
leaf or fern-like leaf, smooth edges or indented edges. Record as illustrated.
Then divide each of those groups according to another characteristic. Continue
divisions until a single leaf is in each group and continue recording as in
illustration provided.

Discuss:

1. What are some of the common trees identified by the leaves?
2. Of what value are such trees to the people on the Islands?
3. Are such trees an abundant or scarce Island resource?

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E. T.

KEY A TREE LEAF

Extended Activities:
This activity may be adapted for use with local bushes or native flowers.

Rubbings: Back in the classroom, place a sheet of paper over a leaf, vein side
up, and rub it with a crayon or pencil.

Evaluation:

The leader will check achievement when each group displays its leaf key.

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E. T.

KEY A TREE LEAF

KEY ILLUSTRATION

KEY ILLUSTRATION

Not fern like leaf

Fern like leaf

longer than
3 inches

are
rounded

shorter than
3 inches

a

indentations
greater than
1 inch

alternating
veins

leaf
shaped
like (

shorter than
3 inches

indentations
less than
1 inch

veins
symmetric

pointe
end

longer than
3 inches