Leaf cards are an easy way to begin to learn how to identify the different species of trees in your yard or around your neighborhood. This is part 2 of our first summer Arts and Crafts project, Leaf Cards. (See the blog post on June 11 for Part 1, if you missed it.) 1. Cut the white paper into squares or rectangles of equal size, large enough to hold the biggest leaf that you collected.
Last week, you collected several leaves from different types of trees. You made notes about what the leaf looks like, and where the tree that you took it from is located. Now we’re ready to take those dried leaves and create Leaf Cards.
For Part 2, you will need:
2. Cut the cardboard into pieces of that same size.
3. Attach each leaf to a piece of white paper, using either tape or liquid glue.
4. Glue each piece of white paper to a piece of cardboard.
5. Cut a piece of clear plastic or contact paper (you can also use a page protector) the size of each card, and place it on top of the leaf.
6. Secure the plastic to the card so that it covers the leaf. Use tape to cover the edges.
7. On the back of each card, write the location where you found the leaf, the date it was collected, and the name of the collector.
8. Use a tree identification guide to determine the name of the tree the leaf was collected from. Write the name of the tree on the back of the card that contains the leaf from that tree.
9. Punch a hole in the corner of each card, or two holes along one side of each card.
10. Using a brad or connector rings, place all the cards together in a set.
You can continue to add to your leaf collection over the summer as you discover new types of trees. You can also add to the set in the fall, when the leaves change color. Just remember that the beautiful colors will disappear as the leaf dries.
(This activity was taken in part from The Tree Almanac: A Year-Round Activity Guide by Monica Russo. Sterling Publishing, NY. 1993.)
-
Follow
Following
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Mary Coley Writes 