Investigation Purpose
Students continue their investigation of trees by focusing on the phenomenon of leaves. Students are captivated by the variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors exhibited by tree leaves in the community. This awareness of variation in leaf shape is foundational to understanding adaptations that contribute to survival.
Content
Different kinds of trees have different leaves.
Leaves have properties: size, shape, tip, edge, texture, and color.
Leaf properties vary.
Leaves can be described and compared by their properties.
Practices
Observe the sizes, shapes, textures, and colors of tree leaves.
Compare the shapes of leaves to common geometric shapes.
Compare the sizes and edges of leaves.
Record and communicate the similarities and differences among leaves.
Investigation Pacing Guide - November-December
Equity Practices for PBL
Place-Based (Possible Field Trips)
...or any local park near your school with trees!
Family Engagement & Connection
Play Is This My Leaf? with the Homeschool Connection No. 17 so students can practice leaf identification at home.
Additional Books for Investigation 2
Take a look in your class, school, or local library for books about trees and nature. Here are some examples of high-quality trade books for this investigation:
Leaf Man - Lois Elhert
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf - Lois Elhert
It's a Shape - M.W. Penn
Leaves in Fall - Martha E.H. Rustad
We're Going on a Leaf Hunt - Scholastic
My Leaf Book - Monica Wellington
The Leaf Thief - Alice Hemming
Soy Una Hoja/I am a Leaf - Jean Marzollo
If You Find a Leaf - Aimee Sicuro
Leaves - Vijaya Bodach