Compare leaf features without needing a plant name

Use suitable fallen leaves or selected photographs to compare edges, tips and visible patterns. The activity can develop careful description while leaving species identification to an appropriate source, rather than turning an uncertain guess into a label.

Choose a few visible comparison features rather than guessing names. Record exceptions when a leaf does not fit the initial grouping neatly.

Sort by a feature you can actually see

Two leaves can share a pointed tip but have different edges.

Choose comparison features. Sort examples. Explain exceptions.

Which feature determined the grouping? Use enlarged images.

Appearance alone may not identify the plant.

Resources

• Draw a Mini Creature Habitat – Open-Ended Drawing Worksheet — Develop a clearly imaginary habitat and annotate its proposed features.

Further reading

• Australian Museum — insects in our gardens

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