For Discussion/Extensions

Explore and discuss why some leaves seem so different (e.g. needle leaves, cactus spines, palm leaves, evergreen leaves, deciduous leaves, etc.); how plants are protected from moisture loss and predators (e.g. thick cuticle or cactus-like adaptations); and how they convert sunlight to food through photosynthesis. You may want to get a botanist or forester to come to your classroom for a special presentation on plants and trees.

Sometimes people wonder how we get the dye from plants to make our clothing and other textiles so colourful. Explore “dyestuffs” in places like the Textile Museum in Washington D.C. to find out more about how they get the “blue” for blue jeans and how some crushed bugs found out west make a hot pink colour!

Read some of the books on Handy’s Book List, and check out some of the cool activities associated with the books.

Make Your Own Recycled Paper and then make leaf prints on it to make your Plant Identification Guide.

Glossary of Terms to Introduce With This Activity

Biodegradable

The property of a substance that permits it to be broken down by micro-organisms into simple stable compounds such as carbon dioxide, water and minerals.

Cellulose

Wood fiber.

Composting

Nature’s way of recycling; process by which organic materials are turned into a nutrient rich soil amendment.

Conservation

The wise use of natural resources (nutrients, minerals, water, plants, animals, etc.)

Decomposition

The natural process of the chemical and mechanical breakdown of dead material.

Lignin

A glue-like chemical that holds a tree’s wood fibers together.

Non-Renewable Resource

Resource that is NOT capable of being naturally restored or replenished; resource is exhausted because it has not been replaced (e.g. copper) or because it is used faster than can be replaced (e.g. oil, coal.)

Pulp

Soft, wet mass of wood fibers used to make paper.

Recyclable

Material separated from the waste stream, processed so that it is reused (often taking the place of virgin material) and then bought back as new item.

Recycling

The recovery, remanufacture and buying back of materials in their new form — conserves resources, energy and landfill space.

Renewable Resource

Resource that is capable of being naturally restored or replenished (e.g. trees.)

Reuse

To find a new function for an item which has outgrown its original use; use again (e.g. peanut butter jar for Pog collection; wash and reuse dishes.)

Source Reduction

Reducing the amount and/or toxicity of an item before it is ever generated (e.g. buying an item with less packaging, using a non-toxic alternative to clean with.)