Leaf Collection & Tree Identification Project

GR. 11 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE LEAF COLLECTION & TREE IDENTIFICATION PROJECT DUE DATE: ______

Objectives:

 To become familiar with the varieties of trees native to our area.  To learn the method of leaf identification and classification.  To have the opportunity to be outdoors appreciating and making observations about your environment.  To create an identification book of native and non-native trees.

Your Tree Leaf Book:

 Collect a total of 10 different leaves.  Identify BOTH the COMMON NAME and the SCIENTIFIC NAME for each tree. The common name and scientific name are not written in the same format. The scientific name should be written in italics or underlined. The Genus name is capitalized and the species name is not capitalized. (Ex., Homo sapiens)  Identify the following information about each tree: o Coniferous (evergreen) or Deciduous (broad-leaved) o Description of Bark o Photo or Sketch of the whole tree o Is it a native, exotic, or invasive species? o Identifiable Features

 Identify two usages for the tree.  Include a creative title page.  Include a bibliography

Common Trees in Toronto Coniferous Hemlock, White Pine, Red Pine, White Cedar, Eastern Red cedar, Balsam Fir, White Spruce, Blue Spruce

Deciduous Red Oak, Black Oak, White Oak, Sugar Maple, Black Maple, Silver Maple, Red Maple, Trembling Aspen, White Ash, Green Ash, Black Walnut, Ironwood, American Elm, Basswood, Hickory, White Birch,

Notes:

 Collect only whole leaves.  Start immediately to find good specimens. Leaves with holes are not the best.  Try and collect leaves that have fallen. Try and collect as many leaves from your neighborhood as you can. You may need to visit some areas or parks outside of your neighborhood as well.

Mounting:

 Leaves should be pressed for a couple of days before mounting. To flatten, place a leaf between sheets of paper and place heavy books on top of them so that they will be pressed flat.  Optional: Leaves can be laminated, if you choose. This would certainly help preserve them. Resources:  Mrprimmer.com – Links for Tree ID Tree Id Assignment Name: ______

Collect a total of 10 different leaves. Identify BOTH the COMMON NAME and the SCIENTIFIC NAME for each tree. The common name and scientific name are not written in the same format. The scientific name should be written in italics or underlined. The Genus name is capitalized and the species name is not capitalized. (Ex., Homo sapiens) ( /10 Knowledge) Identify the following information about each leaf: ( /20 Knowledge) o Coniferous (evergreen) or Deciduous (broad-leaved) o Description of Bark o Photo or Sketch of the whole tree o Native, exotic, or invasive species? Identify in a complete sentence two usages for the tree. ( /10 Application) Include a creative title page. ( /5 Communication) Include a bibliography ( /5 Communication)

Total Marks: ( /30 Knowledge) ( /10 Application) ( /10 Communication)

Tree Id Assignment Name: ______

Total Marks: ( /30 Knowledge) ( /10 Application) ( /10 Communication)  Tree ID Website: http://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/whatTree.cfm?ItemID=E6A

How to Preserve Leafs

Method 1 : Standard Pressing

1. Place the leaves between two sheets of paper.[1] Sandwich your fall leaves in between two clean sheets of heavy white typing paper. o Note that this method will not preserve the color of the leaves, only the form. o Use paper that is at least as heavy as typing paper, rather than something thin like tracing paper. Otherwise, the leaves may bleed through and create stains. o Lay the leaves out in a single layer. Do not stack or overlap the leaves since doing so will cause them to stick together. o Choose leaves that are in good shape. They should be recently fallen and moist. The tips should not be dried or turned up. 2. Lay something heavy on the leaves. A large, heavy book should work. o To reduce the risk of staining the book or other pressing object, as well as the work surface, place sheets of blotting paper or paper towels in between the typing paper and the surface as well as the typing paper and the book. This will help to absorb the moisture from the leaves.[2] o You can also press the leaves directly inside the book, but you should only use an old book that you do not mind staining just in case. Surround the leaves in paper towels or blotting paper and tuck them away into the pages of the book. Allow at least 20 pages in between leaves for best results. 3. Check your progress after one week. After seven days, check the leaves. They should be dried, but if not, then you should continue pressing them for another few days. o If you used paper towels or blotting paper to absorb the moisture, change the sheets after the first two days of the process.

Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Preserve-Fall-Leaves

Tree Id Assignment Name: ______

Collect a total of 10 different leaves. Identify BOTH the COMMON NAME and the SCIENTIFIC NAME for each tree. The common name and scientific name are not written in the same format. The scientific name should be written in italics or underlined. The Genus name is capitalized and the species name is not capitalized. (Ex., Homo sapiens) ( /10 Knowledge) Identify the following information about each leaf: ( /20 Knowledge) o Coniferous (evergreen) or Deciduous (broad-leaved) o Description of Bark o Photo or Sketch of the whole tree Identify in a complete sentence two usages for the tree. ( /10 Application) Include a creative title page. ( /10 Communication) Include a bibliography ( /10 Inquiry)

Total Marks: ( /30 Knowledge) ( /10 Application) ( /10 Communication) ( /10 Inquiry)