Stop, Look, and Leaf

Purpose:	To develop skills of observation and description To apply botanical nomenclature
Season:	All
Materials:	Paper, pencil, clipboard, 6-8 paper sandwich bags per team, Data Sheet (optional)
Background Info:	Type of leaf Simple leaf- one blade or leaflets per leaf Compound leaf - two or more leaflets per leaf Pinnately compound - leaflets on each side of the central shaft Palmately compound - leaflets radiate from a central point (venation - vein pattern) Pinnate venation - all main leaf veins arise from the central shaft or midrib Palmate venation - three or more veins radiate from a central point (Base of leaf) Asymmetrical - base of leaf blade is not the same on each side of midrib Symmetrical - base of leaf blade is the same on each side of midrib Wedge-shaped - base of leaf appears triangular or leveled (Leaf arrangement) Opposite - leaves arise opposite each other on stem Alternate - leaves arise alternately from each other on stem Whorled - several leaves arise from nearly the same point on a stem
TEKS:	2.2B,D 2.4A,B
Procedure:	Role play with the class scientists from outer space looking for planets with an environment that will support the kind of vegetation found on earth. Divide the class into four groups to collect samples of 6-8 different kinds of leaves. Have each expedition crew take notes on the surrounding environment for the samples they collect. They should number the bag and the description for each sample token. Do not take leaves off the trees. There are plenty on the ground. Designate specific areas for each crew to work in and set a specific time limit. In the classroom compare samples and descriptions. As a class, write a letter persuading others to come or not to come to this new planet.