Leaf Veins – Every Plant is Unique
1. Start with Our Bodies
Ask children to look at the veins on their hands and discuss what veins do, focusing on how they carry things around, just like in leaves.
Let each child trace their hand on paper and invite them to draw in the veins they see.
2. Go outdoors and look at leaves
Encourage the children to find different leaves with visible veins. Let them touch and observe them, while asking them to describe what the veins look like. Use a magnifier if available.
Important! When exploring, avoid damaging nature.
3. Compare and Contrast
Ask the children question like:
Which leaf veins look like the ones in your hand?
Which ones are opposite? Which are not?
Divide the leaves in groups by their vein pattern (e.g. opposite, paired, random).
4. Art & STEM Connection
Children will then choose their favourite leaf, and they will draw it and its veins on paper next to their hand outline.
Optional: Label the parts (stem, main vein, side veins).
Resources & Equipment Needed
- Drawing materials;
- Access to real leaves: on ground, on potted plants, on trees and bushes;
- Magnifying glasses, crayons/colours for leaf art (optional).
You can download these instructions in PDF by clicking here: Generate PDF
Downloadable Material
Make sure to take photos of:
1. Class wall showing “My hand & My leaf” drawings2. Children observing veins on their hands and on the leaves
Learning Outcomes & Curriculum Integration
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