Goals and Objectives

 To observe the different patterns of veins in a variety of leaves.

Materials and Resources

Crayons, tracing paper, pencils, clipboards, leaves, paper

Instructional Sequence

Leaf Rubbing:  each child selects one leaf.  With the underside of the leaf up, place a piece of paper over the leaf and rub gently with a crayon to get a leaf rubbing.  Examine the shapes and patterns that emerge.  Allow the children to do this again with other leaves.   Discuss the three common veining patterns:  parallel, palmate, and pinnate.  What functions do veins perform?

Back to Back Leaf Drawing:  Divide class into pairs.   In each pair, once child gets a pencil and paper and the other selects a leaf, keeping it hidden from the partner.  Sitting with their backs to each other, the child with the leaf describes it in detail while the other child draws the leaf according to that description.  Reverse roles and repeat activity.  Afterward, allow children to compare the drawings with the leaves described. 

Closing

Collect materials

Review different types of vein patterns on leaves