6^th Grade Tree Leaf Project

We are beginning our unit on ecology where your child will learn about ecosystems, biomes, and human impacts on the environment. We will be learning how trees and plants respond to their environments and how plants are grouped or categorized by their characteristics. We will also be using the process skills of observing, comparing and classifying to identify tree leaves.

All 6^th grade students will be creating a tree leaf collection throughout the next three weeks. This project is due November 23. They will be collecting leaf specimens from their own neighborhoods to bring into school. They will press and glue leaves at school. They will need to use a 3 ring binder to organize and display collection. It does not have to be a new one, however they can purchase one at the school store for about $2.00.

By using the leaf’s characteristics each student should be able to identify the tree to which it belonged. We will provide resource books and tree identification keys to assist the correct labeling of each leaf. If you have any available resources at home and would like to share please make sure your name is clearly labeled.

Sincerely,

Mr. Uttech and Mrs. Sheehan October 25, 2004