FREE Leaf Investigation for Little Learners
Take science learning outdoors with this FREE Leaf Investigation for Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten.
Young scientists choose a real leaf and use the investigation page to observe its properties. First, they look closely at the leaf. Then, they record its size, color, and shape. Learners also draw an illustration and add a word to describe what they notice.
This simple fall science activity encourages children to slow down, look closely, compare, and describe. Plus, using real leaves makes the investigation meaningful and hands-on.
A family note is also included to make collecting leaves easy. Send it home before your fall unit and invite children to bring one or two leaves to school for the investigation.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
LEAF INVESTIGATION ACTIVITY
The printable investigation page gives little learners a simple way to observe and record the properties of a real leaf.
Children investigate:
- Size: small, medium, or large
- Color: green, red, orange, yellow, brown, or purple
- Shape: choose from eight illustrated leaf shapes
- Illustration: draw the leaf they are observing
- Word: record a word about the leaf
Because the page uses picture and word supports, young scientists can participate even when they are still developing their writing skills.
FAMILY LEAF COLLECTION NOTE
Want children to bring leaves from home? A printable family note is included.
The note explains that the class will be studying autumn and observing seasonal changes. In addition, it asks families to help by sending a leaf or a couple of leaves to school.
Two copies are included on one page for easy printing.
SKILLS COVERED
- Scientific observation
- Describing properties
- Comparing objects
- Size identification
- Color identification
- Shape identification
- Recording observations
- Scientific vocabulary
- Drawing from observation
- Comparing similarities and differences
- Exploring seasonal changes
- Fine motor skills
HOW TO USE
Start by sending home the included family note. Then, invite each child to bring one or two leaves to school.
Once you have a collection, spend time looking closely at the leaves together. Encourage children to notice similarities and differences in size, shape, color, and other visible features.
Next, give each learner a leaf and an investigation page. Children can draw their leaf, identify its size, choose its color, and find the picture that most closely matches its shape.
Finally, invite learners to add a word that describes their leaf.
Want to extend the activity? Gather the class again to compare the results. For example, you can discuss which colors were most common or how many different leaf shapes the class discovered.
WHY TEACHERS LOVE IT
- It’s FREE!
- Uses real objects for hands-on science
- Requires very little prep
- Works naturally with fall and autumn themes
- Encourages careful observation
- Introduces children to recording scientific information
- Includes visual supports for young learners
- Works for whole group, small group, or independent exploration
- Includes a ready-to-send family note
- Connects science learning with the world outside the classroom
Most importantly, you do not need a complicated experiment to introduce scientific thinking. A handful of leaves and a little curiosity can lead to plenty of meaningful observations.
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