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Leaf Science

November 2, 2010 By 12 Comments

This week, we have leaves in our science center. These activities might be a little late for some of you, but in Georgia, our leaves don’t change color until late, late October or early November.

Leaf Symmetry

The wooden bowl contains unbreakable mirrors. I collected several leaves of different shapes and cut the leaves in half. I showed the children how to place the mirror on the cut edge of the leaf, and they will see what looks like a whole leaf.

Leaf Impressions

Children roll out the play dough flat like a pancake and press leaves into the play dough. When the leaves are removed, they see the imprint of the leaf with the veins. This works best when you press the back side of the leaf into the play dough. The same activity can be done using clay. Press the leaves into a slab of clay and allow it to dry. I’ve used Amaco Marblex self-hardening clay and it works well.

12 Comments
About Karen Cox

Karen is the founder of PreKinders.com. She also works as a full-time Pre-K teacher in Georgia.

Comments

  1. Karen B. Jones says:
    November 2, 2010 at 7:39 pm

    How about pressing leaves to preserve them? Or using glycerin to preserve them? Or making a rubbing? Identifying the type of tree by the shape and color of the leaf? Talk about why leaves change colors and fall and why that doesn’t happen on pine trees?

    Reply
  2. Scott says:
    November 3, 2010 at 11:03 am

    I really like the leaf imprints in play dough. So simple…and yet something that I’ve never really done. I’ve made prints of other things, but never leaves. Why not? Just never thought about the two things together! Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Barbara says:
    November 6, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    I like this idea, it is simple and easy to implement. I am sure that my class will enjoy the activity, and we will have wonderful discussions about our imprints. Thanks for the idea.

    Reply
  4. Melissa says:
    November 9, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    I love how you come up with activities dealing with seasons! The children have to enjoy participating in fun activities like this. I really like the idea of using play dough to make prints of leaves. This is a great way for children to learn about the different types of leaves and their shapes! Such neat ideas :)

    Reply
  5. V.Kerr says:
    November 10, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    What a simple idea! I’m going to do this tomorrow!!

    Reply
  6. Karen says:
    November 12, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    Thanks for the comments!

    Reply
  7. Smitha Nair says:
    July 1, 2012 at 3:09 am

    Leaf imprints are great activity for kids to start off, I have done similar stuff with letting my daughter dip the leaf in water color and imprinting them on a paper, this also gives the texture of the leaf too.

    Reply
  8. Patrice Walter says:
    August 17, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    I love these ideas! How about leaf rubs by placing paper on the back of leaves and rubbing over it?! The nut sorting is great too!

    Reply
  9. Amisha says:
    September 24, 2012 at 11:46 am

    such a nice idea .. i m eccce student and this idea will be helpful in planning science activity in preschools

    Reply
  10. Lynn says:
    October 7, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    Love the leaf and mirror idea…..where did you find those little mirrors ? I am doing a leaf theme this week and I absolutely love your idea. Thank you!

    Reply

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