Resource #V108012

Précis

This resource relates to the ?Working Scientifically? part of the Science National Curriculum, focusing on identifying leaf features, and making classification keys.

Contextual Summary

This resource is for students in upper key stage 2 and relates to the ?Working Scientifically? part of the Science National Curriculum, focusing on identifying leaf features, and making classification keys.

Curriculum Relevance

Science → Biology → Living things and their habitats

Implementation

Students will find common leaves found in Appley and will identify their characteristics and features using a table featuring key questions. Back in the classroom they will use their information to produce an identification key based on the Appley tree and plant life.

Key Skills Practised

• Working scientifically
• Identifying features of variation
• Recording data
• Working together
• Creating classification keys to enable identification of leaves

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

Ideally, teachers will have introduced students to simple dichotomous keys (a key with two branches at each stage).

On Site

Completion of the resource/s linked to this activity

Post-Visit

Completion in class of the Appley Leaf Identification Keys by students in groups, using their on-site recorded data. Opportuntiies for follow-up project work also include looking at bark and branch features and developing a more in-depth key, like the one featured on the Natural History Museum website

Learning Outcomes

Students will have worked scientifically. They will demonstrate an understanding of how to identify key features of leaves. Students will be able to identify plant/tree types based on their leaves? characteristics. Students will produce their own identification keys using their collated data from Appley Park.