Name: _________________ Hour: ________ Score: ____/100
TERM PROJECT
LEAF COLLECTION
Due:____________________
Classification reflects orderly patterns and observable distinctions among objects and organisms. In this
project you will observe differences in structure by looking at a few easily distinguishable features of leaves.
You will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of classification by creating a leaf collection.
Your Leaf Collection should include:
1. A title page containing:
Your name
Your hour
Teacher’s name
A lovely and appropriate illustration (a leaf, a tree, a flower, etc.)
2. 10 leaves
3. The “required information” for each leaf.
4. A classification “tree”.
5. A dichotomous key identifying your collection
Required information for each leaf:
1. Where was it collected? (“My backyard” is not very specific! Better would be “North Logan, Utah” or “200
West, 100 South; Logan, Utah” or “USU Campus; Logan, Utah” or “Blacksmith Fork Canyon; Logan, Utah”
etc.)
2. Date collected.
3. Person who collected it.
4. Simple or compound leaf? (See pictures on next page.)
5. Leaf venation. (See pictures on next page.)
6. Leaf arrangement. (See pictures on next page.) Make sure you know this before you leave the tree!
7. Leaf margin. (See pictures on next page.)
8. Leaf shape. (See pictures on next page.)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How many leaves do I need?
A: You need 10 leaves, all from different plants.
Q: Ooh look! A tree with leaves! Now what do I do?
A: Don’t be in too big of a hurry to snatch the leaf from the tree. Make sure you know all 8 of the requirements (written
above) before you leave the tree. Write these on a piece of paper and stick it in a baggie along with the leaf. Also be
sure to be respectful of others’ yards.
Q: OK, I’ve been out collecting and I’ve got a big pile of leaves on my desk. Where do I put them?
A: If you don’t have a leaf or flower press, put a paper towel on either side of the leaf and place it in between the pages
of a large stack of books (don’t forget where you put it!). Leave it there for AT LEAST two days (hint: get started early!).
Some people also like to iron the leaves between two sheets of waxed paper (wax side towards the leaf). Other kids
like to scan the leaves and print out digital images. It’s up to you how you’d like to present your collection.
Q: Help! I’ve collected needles from a Douglas fir but what should I put for “leaf venation”?
A: Don’t stress. Needles are a little different than what you might picture as the standard “leaf”. If one of the
requirements above doesn’t apply to your leaf, write “not applicable” and if I agree that it truly does not apply to your
leaf, you will still get the points.
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Q: We have lots of plants in our garden and in the house. Do I need wild plants or are these OK?
A: Any leaves are OK. The more varied your collection is the better. Don’t forget about bushes, grasses and weeds
Q: How will you score this project?
A: It is worth 100 points, using the following system:
10 leaves with required information
= 40 points
A classification tree
= 20 points
A typed dichotomous key
= 20 points
Title page with illustration
= 10 points
Neatness
= 10 points
100 points
Q: Can I get extra credit?
A: If you give the correct common name for each of the leaves in your collection you will receive 5 points of extra credit.
Labeling each leaf with the correct scientific name is also worth 5 more extra credit points! You can find this
information in tree field guides. The following websites may also be useful:
http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/
http://forestry.about.com/library/treekey/bltree_key_id_start.htm
Q: I’ve pressed all 10 leaves and I’m ready! Now what do I do with them?
A: Carefully tape or glue the leaves to a sheet of unlined paper. Neatly write or type the required information next to the
leaf. Attach your title page and staple the whole thing together. Or choose some other creative way to display your leaves
(mobile, poster, etc.), but make sure it’s done neatly.
Q: Can I put more than one leaf on a sheet of paper?
A: If you can do it neatly, no problem.
Q: What do I base my classification tree and dichotomous key on?
A: The groups you create for your classification tree and key for the project must be based on
STRUCTURAL SIMILARITES of the leaves.
Q: Do I have to spend a lot of money on this project?
A. Your finished collection should take up minimum space, should not be breakable, or too valuable. You do not
have to spend money to complete this project. Be creative and try not to spend money on things.
A FEW IDEAS:
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DIAGRAMS TO HELP YOU:
Simple vs. Compound Leaves
Leaf Venation
Leaf Arrangement
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Leaf Margin
Leaf Shape
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