Materials
Leaves
Chart showing leaves common to your area
Magnifying glasses
Instructions
1. Divide children into pairs and give each pair three of the leaves.
2. With eyes closed, one child in each pair selects one of the leaves and feels it carefully.
3. The child's partner mixes the leaf with the other two.
4. The first child (with eyes still closed) then carefully feels all three leaves and tries to pick outthe original leaf. The partner says whether the choice is right or wrong.
5. Have children in each pair switch places and repeat the activity.
6. Ask children to describe how they knew which was their original leaf.
7. Give children a magnifying glass and tell them to examine their leaves. Ask them if they cansee the stem and veins, and if they notice any insect-made holes or variations in color.
8. Encourage the children to try to match the leaf to those on the chart.
