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Learners work in teams to investigate how scientists use physical characteristics to classify living things. First, learners examine drawings of a variety of leaves from different species of oak trees and work to develop the characteristics of a "typical" oak leaf. Then, learners examine samples of oak leaves and work to classify them. This activity uses drawings of leaves, but it could also work with a collection of real leaves.
- Under 5 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- free per group of students
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- journals
- activity sheets
- Types of Oak Leaves sheet (p3 of PDF)
- oak leaves (optional)
Subjects
-
Life Sciences
-
Diversity of Life
- Plants
- Classification
- Ecology
-
Diversity of Life
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Nature and Environment
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, American Museum of Natural History, 2001