Leaves: A Lesson and Project for Nearly All Subjects

Sorting through some books the other day, trying to find some information for a school assignment, my son and I discovered some fall leaves. We had placed these leaves within the pages of some heavy books to press them flat, loving their colors and shapes so much that we didn't want to lose them when the cold wintry weather hit the Midwest. Forgetting about the leaves, we instantly realized that we had actually been planning ahead when we pressed them, as they would be a perfect way to illustrate his project as well as a keepsake and future decoration for our home as well.

Since my son's assignment was based around a creative project for the seasons that pass, we brainstormed and came up with the following project. It is one that would work well for a project within your own area, one in which you could identify the different types of trees by their leaves or even one where the discussion of chlorophyll could be prevalent within the project, discussing how chlorophyll and the absence thereof has an effect upon the color of the leaves, as well as how rainfall measurements make their mark upon the leaves and their vibrant colors as well.

Supplies needed:

Various and assorted sizes and kinds of leaves

Heavy parchment or handmade paper. This paper can be of cream in color to allow the leaves beauty and color stand alone or can be of a color to contrast for your decorating needs.

Frame with somewhat raised area between matting and glass. Some shadow box frames have a very small area, which works well for this sort of project

Glue stick to hold leaves on paper

Taking leaves of different shapes and kinds, place them on a piece of paper, which you have chosen for this project. At this point, use only enough leaves to give a nice assortment, being careful not to over fill the frame. The leaves should accent one another and stand on their own as items within the frame. Over lapping of leaves is not desirable with this project but certainly can be used in a future one if desired.

After you have found an assortment and display that pleases the eye (remember, not all leaves have to be perfect, nature is not perfect and in nature even imperfection is beautiful) using a small amount of glue stick, attach each leaf on the backing. Do NOT remove them all at once to glue, rather one at a time to maintain the design you have created.

After gluing, let them dry completely before placing backing on frame. One extra we did was to take 2 pictures of the matted leaves and to identify what tree they were from, and where the tree was located as well as the date. One of these pictures we placed in the back of the frame and then attached the backing of the frame for future reference. The second was attached to my son's report of his project, which he turned into his teacher.
All in all, this is an excellent school project for seasons, your area of the world, trees found in your area or simply a project on trees and the changing of colors. With a little imagination, this can meet may project needs and teach your child at the same time. Both which are winners in this teacher/Mom's life. I'm sure they will be in yours too!

Sorting through some books the other day, trying to find some information for a school assignment, my son and I discovered some fall leaves. We had placed these leaves within the pages of some heavy books to press them flat, loving their colors and shapes so much that we didn't want to lose them when the cold wintry weather hit the Midwest. Forgetting about the leaves, we instantly realized that we had actually been planning ahead when we pressed them, as they would be a perfect way to illustrate his project as well as a keepsake and future decoration for our home as well.

Since my son's assignment was based around a creative project for the seasons that pass, we brainstormed and came up with the following project. It is one that would work well for a project within your own area, one in which you could identify the different types of trees by their leaves or even one where the discussion of chlorophyll could be prevalent within the project, discussing how chlorophyll and the absence thereof has an effect upon the color of the leaves, as well as how rainfall measurements make their mark upon the leaves and their vibrant colors as well.

Supplies needed:

Various and assorted sizes and kinds of leaves

Heavy parchment or handmade paper. This paper can be of cream in color to allow the leaves beauty and color stand alone or can be of a color to contrast for your decorating needs.

Frame with somewhat raised area between matting and glass. Some shadow box frames have a very small area, which works well for this sort of project

Glue stick to hold leaves on paper

Taking leaves of different shapes and kinds, place them on a piece of paper, which you have chosen for this project. At this point, use only enough leaves to give a nice assortment, being careful not to over fill the frame. The leaves should accent one another and stand on their own as items within the frame. Over lapping of leaves is not desirable with this project but certainly can be used in a future one if desired.

After you have found an assortment and display that pleases the eye (remember, not all leaves have to be perfect, nature is not perfect and in nature even imperfection is beautiful) using a small amount of glue stick, attach each leaf on the backing. Do NOT remove them all at once to glue, rather one at a time to maintain the design you have created.

After gluing, let them dry completely before placing backing on frame. One extra we did was to take 2 pictures of the matted leaves and to identify what tree they were from, and where the tree was located as well as the date. One of these pictures we placed in the back of the frame and then attached the backing of the frame for future reference. The second was attached to my son's report of his project, which he turned into his teacher.
All in all, this is an excellent school project for seasons, your area of the world, trees found in your area or simply a project on trees and the changing of colors. With a little imagination, this can meet may project needs and teach your child at the same time. Both which are winners in this teacher/Mom's life. I'm sure they will be in yours too!