Last updated: July 22, 2024
Lesson Plan
Leaf ID - Part One
There are many trees at the park.
National Park Service
- Grade Level:
- Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- Kentucky
Science
1-LS3-1. Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents - Thinking Skills:
- Remembering: Recalling or recognizing information ideas, and principles. Understanding: Understand the main idea of material heard, viewed, or read. Interpret or summarize the ideas in own words. Applying: Apply an abstract idea in a concrete situation to solve a problem or relate it to a prior experience. Analyzing: Break down a concept or idea into parts and show the relationships among the parts. Creating: Bring together parts (elements, compounds) of knowledge to form a whole and build relationships for NEW situations. Evaluating: Make informed judgements about the value of ideas or materials. Use standards and criteria to support opinions and views.
Essential Question
How are leaves from the same plants alike and different?
Objective
Students will observe, compare, and identify leaves from different plants, making simple observations to understand how young plants resemble but are not exactly like their parents.
Background
The teacher needs a solid understanding of basic botany, including leaf anatomy and common plant characteristics. Familiarity with standard 1-LS3-1 is essential for guiding students to observe and compare similarities and differences among leaves and relate these observations to heredity. Contextual knowledge of the local environment, including safe leaf collection practices and relevant local flora, ensures the activity is conducted safely and effectively. Practical preparation such as organizing materials, managing logistics for any field trips or outdoor activities, and planning engaging follow-up discussions is essential for maintaining student engagement and achieving the lesson's learning objectives effectively within the first-grade curriculum.
Preparation
-
Index cards or small paper sheets (one per student)
-
Markers or crayons
-
Magnifying glasses (optional)
-
Collection basket or container for leaves
Materials
Leaf ID Worksheet
Lesson Hook/Preview
Discuss leaves and the change in the leaves. Maybe seasons and ask a question, did you know there are many different types of leaves? What makes them different?
Procedure
Step One:
Introduction (10 minutes):
Introduction to Heredity:
- Begin by discussing with students the concept of heredity, explaining that plants, like animals, inherit traits from their parents.
- Introduce NGSS standard 1-LS3-1 and explain that they will be exploring how young plants and animals are similar to but not exactly like their parents by observing leaves.
Step Two:
Pre-Activity Explanation (5 minutes):
Instructions for Leaf Collection:
- Explain to students that they need to bring a leaf from home the next day. This leaf should be from any plant or tree they find in their yard or neighborhood.
- Inform students that they will also collect one additional leaf from a plant located in a designated area at school (such as the school garden or nearby green space).
Step Three:
Student Instructions and Preparation (10 minutes):
Observation Cards:
- Distribute index cards or small paper sheets to each student.
- Ask students to draw a picture of the leaf they will bring from home on one side of the card. Encourage them to include details like the shape, color, and any special features.
- On the other side of the card, instruct students to write or draw what they predict their leaf will look like compared to the leaf they will find at school.
Step Four:
Leaf Collection and Observation (20 minutes):
Collecting Leaves:
- Take students outside to the designated area to collect a leaf from a plant at school. Supervise and assist as needed to ensure safety and appropriate leaf selection.
Observation Time:
- Provide magnifying glasses if available and encourage students to closely observe both leaves.
- Guide students to make simple observations about each leaf's size, shape, color, texture, and any unique characteristics.
Step Five:
Discussion and Comparison (10 minutes):
Group Discussion:
- Gather students together to discuss their observations.
- Facilitate a conversation about how the leaves are similar and different, relating back to the concept of heredity and how plants, like animals, can inherit traits from their parents but also show variations.
Step Six:
Closure and Preparation for Field Trip (5 minutes):
Summary and Expectations:
- Summarize the activity and emphasize the importance of observation in understanding plants and animals.
- Explain how their observations will help them during the upcoming field trip to Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park Center.
Homework Assignment:
-Remind students to bring a leaf from home tomorrow.
- Remind students to keep their observation cards with them for the field trip to refer to their findings.
Vocabulary
Trait: A trait is something that makes plants (and animals) different from each other. It can be like the color, shape, or size of a leaf that they get from their parents.
Pattern: Pattern means how something looks or repeats. For leaves, it could mean how lines or veins are arranged on them.
Similar: Similar means almost the same, but not exactly. Leaves from different plants might look similar if they have the same color or shape.
Different: Different means not the same. Leaves can be different because they come from different plants or trees, even if they look a bit alike.
Inherit: Inherit means to get something from parents. Just like how children might look like their mom or dad, leaves can inherit traits like color or shape from their plant parents.
Supports for Struggling Learners
-Struggling students may be allowed to draw their observations instead of writing down their detailed observations if necessary.
-Provide magnifying glasses or other assistive tools for students who may benefit from closer observation of details in plants and animals.
Enrichment Activities
- Encourage them to use more scientific terminology in their observations and descriptions.
-They could investigate a specific leaf in depth, exploring its different characteristics.
Additional Resources
Leaf ID - Part Two - Teachers (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Related Lessons or Education Materials
This lesson was created by Kentucky teachers as a part of the History and Science Explore Project.
View Part Two at: COMING SOON
Contact Information
Email us about this lesson plan
Tags: abliprevisit