Leaf Collection Project
adapted from a project by Cheryl Massengale
Leaf collecting is a good way to learn about the trees that live in your area. Collecting leaves will also help you to learn about leaf margins, shapes, and vein patterns and how to use different taxonomic keys to identify trees.
Assignment: You are to create a leaf collection booklet containing leaves from 8 different trees. Your collection must contain at least 6 leaves from broadleaf trees. Two of your specimens may be from needle-leaf or scale-leaf trees. Only trees listed in The Audubon Society Field Guide to Trees are acceptable. Bushes and shrubs are not allowed.
Materials needed:
leaf press (directions follow)
sturdy paper for mounting
black ink pen
index cards
glue/tape
taxonomic keys/field guides
paper towels/newspaper
Directions for making a leaf press
Leaf press #1: (Complicated version)
1. Cut 3 squares of corrugated cardboard 15 inches by 15 inches in size.
2. Cut 40 sheets of newspaper the same size as the cardboard.
3. Place one of the pieces of cardboard on a hard surface. Layer this with about 10 sheets of newspaper. Next, arrange a few of your leaves on the newspaper. Be sure that the leaves do not overlap each other. Cover the leaves with an additional 10 pieces of newspaper and another piece of cardboard. Repeat with newspaper, another layer of leaves, the remaining newspaper and the last piece of cardboard.
4. Use one or two stretch belts to tie the press together or use heavy books as weights.
5. Change the newspaper every 2 or 3 days.
6. Depending on the size of your leaves you may need to construct an additional leaf press.
Leaf press #2: (Easier version)
1. Cut 1 square of cardboard roughly 15 inches by 15 inches in size.
2. Place the cardboard on a hard surface out of the way of young children and pets. Place five (5) pieces of paper towels or 5 pieces of newspaper on top of the cardboard.
3. Arrange a few of your leaves on the paper towels/newspaper.
4. Cover with 5 additional pieces of paper towels/newspaper.
5. Repeat with an additional layer of leaves and another layer of paper towels/newspaper.
6. Place several heavy books on top of your press.
7. Change the paper towels/newspaper every 2 or 3 days.
8. Depending on the size of your leaves, you may have to construct an additional leaf press.
Collecting and Pressing Your Leaves
1. Always get permission before collecting leaves on someone else's property.
2. Collect at least two of each type of leaf in case one of the leaves tears. If leaves are damaged or torn, don't use them because you will not receive full credit.
3. Be sure to remove an entire leaf, not a leaflet, from the tree and place it in your press as soon as possible.
4. Leaves should remain in the press for 3 - 5 days depending on their thickness and moisture content. Remember to change the newspaper or paper towels when needed.
5. Keep the press in an area where little children or pets cant get at it.
Labeling Your Leaves
1. Use index cards as labels.
2. Use only black ink to write labels. Do not cross out or white out mistakes on the labels; rewrite them. Labels must be neat and easy to read.
3. Each label must contain the following information:
a. Common name of leaf
b. Scientific name of leaf Genus (capitalized) and species (lowercase)
c. Tree type broad-leaf, needle-leaf, scale leaf
d. If your specimen is from a broadleaf tree, then the following information is also required:
1. Leaf type simple or compound
2. Leaf margin smooth, toothed or lobed
3. Vein pattern parallel, palmate or pinnate
Mounting Your Leaves
1. Use pieces of sturdy paper to mount your leaves.
2. Each page must have only one type of leaf on it.
3. Arrange the leaf so there is room to glue the label at the bottom of the page. The leaf should look nice on the page. Use tape to mount needle- or scale-leaves to the paper.
4. Use a small amount of glue to adhere the completed label. Center the label below the leaf.
5. LET THE PAGES DRY COMPLETELY BEFORE ASSEMBLING THEM TOGETHER IN YOUR COLLECTION OR THE PAGES WILL STICK TOGETHER!!
6. Make a front cover for your collection. Include the following items on your cover:
a. title
b. your name
c. date collection turned into teacher
d. illustration (no glitter, please!)
7. Use ribbon, string, etc. to bind the pages together.
On-line Leaf Identification Guides
Ohio Public Library Information Network
Due date: October 9, 2009
Project Value: 200 points