Exploring Leaf Families

The purpose of this lesson is for students to understand similarities and differences between leaves within the same family of plants. Students will learn that plants, like humans, share some characteristics but also inherit individual traits. They will study the differences between leaves by making observational drawings in the garden and comparing harvested leaves through Venn diagrams and leaf rubbings. This lesson supports the DCPS 1st grade Science Unit Parents and Their Offspring. 

Leaves, like people, have many different characteristics.

How are leaf families like human families?

How are the leaves of different varieties of one kind of plant similar and different? Why might this be?