Lesson Plan

Looking at Leaves

Multiple red maple leaves in fall. Photo by Ashley Conti

Grade Level:: Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
Subject:: Science
Lesson Duration:: 30 Minutes

Essential Question

➔ How is a leaf from one plant the same as the leaf from a different
plant/bush/tree?
➔ How are their leaves different?
➔ How can leaves help us identify the different plants/bushes/trees in an area,
such as our outdoor classroom?

Objective

Students will identify the part of a plant that is a leaf.
Students will identify basic parts of a leaf: edge, base, tip, midrib, petiole.
Students will differentiate leaves from different plants, shrubs and trees by looking at
specific attributes: shape, edge and arrangement.
Students will use their growing knowledge of and familiarity with leaf shapes, edges
and arrangements to make more detailed observations.

Preparation

Choose a nearby, easily accessible area for viewing & collecting leaves. Include some stories featuring trees and other plants in class read alouds in the weeks before beginning these lessons; add nonfiction as students begin to learn & wonder.