Science · 15 minutes · 6–10 years

Look closely at a leaf

Describe and sort without needing the plant’s name.

All you need

Two adult-checked fallen leaves, paper and pencil.

Grown-up, read this first

Adult selects familiar non-irritating leaves. No tasting or unknown plants; wash hands. Use drawings for allergy concerns.

Adapt to your child’s needs and stop if uncomfortable.

Let’s give it a go

Step ticks are temporary for this tab session. You can read every step without ticking.

A question to take with you

Is colour a reliable rule as leaves dry?

Talk it through or draw on paper. There is no answer box or personal information to submit.

Make it gentler

Compare outlines without touching.

Take it further

Draw the same leaf tomorrow and compare.