Name __________________________________ Science Handout # ______________
Period _________________________________
Date _________________________
Leaf Collection
Collections are DUE on Wednesday, October 22, 2014.
Objectives




Create a leaf collection showcasing the diversity of tree species in the area.
Develop a greater appreciation for and understanding of trees in our region.
Use a dichotomous key. (NY State Science Standard)
Research valuable information about tree species.
Specifications for Leaf Specimens
1. Mount TWO complete leaves for each tree species. They should be attached to the stem and
show whether the arrangement is opposite, alternate, or whorled. In addition, you must also
illustrate the correct symbol for the arrangement on the lower right-hand corner of the page.
2. Be sure to mount the entire leaf, especially when mounting compound leaves. Do not mount
just a leaflet. Be sure to show the front of one leaf and the back of the other leaf.
3. Leaves should be separated by newspaper or a paper towel and allowed to dry flat for 3-5 days
depending on their thickness and moisture content before mounting.
4. Besides collecting leaves, include as many cones, seeds, fruits, nuts, etc. for each species as
possible.
Mounting
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Place the collection in a hard-back, 3-ring binder.
Try to find specimens small enough to fit on a single sheet of paper.
Mount the leaves on white, heavy unlined paper (8.5 in. x 11 in.)
The leaves should look nice on the paper and not overlap. (one leaf front the other the back)
Place the following information in the top left corner for EVERY specimen. Points will be
awarded for neatness. If you have sloppy handwriting, then please type!
a. Common Name
b. Scientific name
c. Where (place or street name) & when you found the leaf.
d. Whether the tree is deciduous or coniferous.
e. Arrangement of leaves on the stem (alternate, opposite, or whorled)
f. Complexity of the leaf (simple or compound)
g. Type of margins (entire, serrate, or lobed)
6. Number each page of the collection.
7. Include cones, seeds, fruits, nuts, etc. on leaf page or on an additional page.
Collection of Leaves
1. There are many places to collect leaves but please be considerate of other people’s property.
Ask permission before taking a leaf from someone’s yard or property. Public places you may
want to collect from may include Point Au Roche, Rugar Woods, the hospital, or the College.
Don’t limit your collection to one location (you may collect only 3 leaves from any 1 site other
than Rugar Woods or Point Au Roche unless approved by your teacher). Use clippers rather
than breaking the stem by hand. Take a good sample but remove as little as possible from the
tree. The idea is to collect leaves, not to terrorize the trees or be destructive.
2. Only the leaves listed or discussed in class will be considered for evaluation.
Profile Pages
Select up to 5 of the leaves you have collected and do further research on each specific tree. You must
include any 4 of the following pieces of information. Submit a list of all your sources with each
profile.







Ecological value
Economic value
Historical or mythological significance
Disease/parasites affliction
Medicinal uses/ abuses
Building uses
Location or range in which the species grows
Assemble Your Binder in the Following Order:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Cover Page (see example)
Table of Contents (see example) Alphabetically by common name
Leaf Pages (1, 2, 3 etc.) Alphabetically to correspond with table of contents
Profile Pages should appear after the Leaf Pages (1a, 2a, 3a etc.) Be sure to include your
sources.
Evaluation:
1. Evaluation will be based on compliance with the directions above, correct identification of the
specimens, total number of specimens collected and quality of the collection. (total of 315
points)
2. Each mounted specimen page is worth 15 points – 1 point for each requirement. If the answer
is correct, you get 1 point, and if it is not, you get 0 points for the question. (minimum of 15
leaves)
3. Profile pages are also worth 15 points – 2.5 points for each question. (maximum of 75 points)
4. A unit TEST will follow in which you will be expected to identify the common and scientific
names of selected trees.
5. Optional (but a good idea). A good way to study leaves is to make flash cards. On one side,
make a sketch of the leaf. On the other side, place the common and Genus name and several
important characteristics. Review these cards several times. Another good idea: Make a set of
cards with a friend and study together. Extra credit will be granted on the test if you turn in
flashcards.
6. Here is a list of acceptable trees:
Ash
Aspen
Balsam Fir
Basswood
Beech
Birch
Box Elder
Catalpa
Cedar
Cherry
Cottonwood
Elm
Ginkgo
Hawthorn
Hemlock
Hickory
Horse chestnut
Locust
*Maple
*Oak
*Pine
Poplar
Sassafras
*Spruce
Sumac
Sycamore
Tamarack
Walnut
Willow
Note (You must include at least one conifer and one deciduous tree and
at least one simple leaf and one compound leaf. In other words
your collection may not be all simple deciduous leaves. Use the
dichotomous keys provided to identify trees while the leaves are
still on the tree.
Make sure to find small enough specimens to fit on one page.
*You may only collect 3 samples of that tree type. Example: You collected 1 Red Maple,
1Crimson King, and 1 Silver Maple. Therefore, you would no longer be able to collect
anymore Maples to include in your collection. Make your collection diverse; it will be much
more interesting.
This project is a required component of this class and must be completed in order to pass this course. I
have read and understand the requirements of this project. If there are any questions contact Ms.
Quarles or Mrs. Napper at 518-563-6800. (This signature page counts as a responsibility grade.)
Print Student Name: __________________________ Student Signature _______________________
Print Parent Name ____________________________ Parent Signature ________________________
Jane Doe’s
Leaf Collection
Stafford Middle School
October 22, 2014
Teacher: Ms. Quarles
or
Teacher: Mrs. Napper
(10 Points)
Table of Contents
Grade
Page
_____
1
Common Name (Genus)
_____
2
Common Name (Genus)
_____
3
Common Name (Genus)
_____
4
Common Name (Genus)
_____
5
Common Name (Genus)
_____
6
Common Name (Genus)
_____
7
Common Name (Genus)
_____
8
Common Name (Genus)
_____
9
Common Name (Genus)
_____
10
Common Name (Genus)
_____
11
Common Name (Genus)
_____
12
Common Name (Genus)
_____
13
Common Name (Genus)
_____
14
Common Name (Genus)
_____
15
Common Name (Genus)
(10 points)
Tree (leaves in Alphabetical Order)
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
F)
G)
Common Name (1pt)
Scientific name (1pt)
Where (place or street name) & when you found the leaf. (1pt)
Deciduous or coniferous (1pt)
Alternate, opposite, or whorled (1pt)
Simple or compound (1pt)
Type of margins (1pt)
Two leaves (2pts)
Front/Back (1pt)
Stem (1pt)
Sample accessory (2pts)
Leaf arrangement drawing
(1pt)
Page # (1pt)
(Picture drawn or copy) (1pt)
Profile
(1pt)
Common Name (1pt)
1. 2-4 complete sentences for each question. (2.5pts)
2. 2-4 complete sentences for each question. (2.5pts)
3. 2-4 complete sentences for each question. (2.5pts)
4. 2-4 complete sentences for each question. (2.5pts)
Source of information (1pt)
Page # (1a, 2a, 3a, etc.) (1pt)