Leaf Rubbing and Plant Pressing
Initial Publication Date: August 3, 2009
Summary
In this investigation, students will make to create a herbarium for use in plant identification. They will press plants from the courtyard. They will also make a leaf rubbing to add to their journals.
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Learning Goals
Students will begin to create a herbarium for use in plant identification in a variety of settings
Context for Use
This is an activity appropriate for fourth grade students. Access to Native Minnesota plants and flowers is necessary. This lesson will take about 45 minutes.
Description and Teaching Materials
1. Discuss the importance of using common language in naming native plants.
2. Introduce students to the concept of an herbarium.
3. Students will gather one of each type of leaf from MN plant we have studied.
4. Using crayons, they will make a leaf rubbing of each in their journals and label it.
5. Students will then press the leaves between sheets of newspaper and a cardboard frame until dry.
6. When dry, students will adhere the leaves to the appropriate page of their journals.
7. Students will list common name and scientific name of each.
2. Introduce students to the concept of an herbarium.
3. Students will gather one of each type of leaf from MN plant we have studied.
4. Using crayons, they will make a leaf rubbing of each in their journals and label it.
5. Students will then press the leaves between sheets of newspaper and a cardboard frame until dry.
6. When dry, students will adhere the leaves to the appropriate page of their journals.
7. Students will list common name and scientific name of each.
Teaching Notes and Tips
This is the third lesson in a three part lesson. See the attachments for lesson one and two.
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Assessment
Students will use their leaf rubbing and plant pressings to create a herbarium in their journals. Each entry will include the common and scientific name of each Minnesota plant.
Standards
3.4.1.1.2 Living things are diverse with many different characteristics that enable them to grow, reproduce and survive.