LEAF COLLECTION

Our insect and leaf collections will be used as an important part of our classification unit.  It is important for students not to procrastinate their collections.  These two lab assignments cannot be completed in a few days.  Parents and family members may HELP students.

Students will collect, preserve and identify 10 different leaves from trees in their local environment. Identification keys can be found in the local library as well as our classroom.

Your leaf collections should be bound in a small binder with leaves glued to card stock.  Make sure glue is dried before placing in binder, so that pages do not get stuck together!  A locality label must be present with each leaf.  See below.

Student success

1.  Identify and preserve your leaves as quickly as possible.  I have books in class that can help you identify your plants (classification keys)

2.  Collect your samples from the natural environment, not nurseries or arboretums etc.

3.  Work on the project consistently until complete.

4.  Provide a Cover page (Name,  Date,  Period ). All pages / leaves must be bound together (binder etc.)

            Mandatory Leaf Information (needed for each leaf). 
            * Common Name of Leaf
            * Scientific Name of Leaf  - Genus species
            * Leaf Type - Simple Leaf  or  Compound Leaf  etc.
            * Opposite or Alternate
            * Leaf Margin  - Smooth  ( entire )  or   Serrated  ( toothed )   or   Lobed
            *  Locality – State, County, City, name of collector

5.  Neatly press and display no more than two leaves on each page.

6.  Limit the number of conifers to two.  You are NOT required to collect conifers.

7.  Listen and watch carefully to the leaf press demonstration given in class.  Taking notes will help you   remember how to press and mount your leaves.