Make a leaf print

Trees and their leaves are an important part of our natural environment. Can you use your science knowledge to better understand them and the environment around us?

In this fun activity for kids, learners will be guided through the process of creating a visually attractive leaf print using various types of leaves and paint. This activity aims to reinforce learners’ understanding of the different parts of a leaf by labelling them.

Making leaf prints is a fun and easy activity that is perfect for KS2. Not only is it a great way to get students excited about nature, but it also encourages creativity and experimentation.

Download our free activity sheet for a step-by-step guide on how to make leaf prints!

Activity: Make a leaf print

This is one of a set of free STEM resources that has been developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum, with a focus on key topics within maths and science. This particular resource is centred around creating leaf prints and developing knowledge about the main parts of a leaf.

Leaves can be collected from trees in and around the school premises as available. In case it is not feasible for the learners to venture outside and collect leaves, the teacher could have a selection of leaves already picked and ready to use. It is important to avoid leaves that have completely dried out as these will not work.

This activity can serve as the primary lesson or as one of several activities in a larger scheme of learning centred around using science to better understand the natural environment. There is also potential for the incorporation of art and design elements.

How long will this activity take?

This activity will take approximately 60 – 90 minutes to complete.

Tools/resources required

• Access to an outside area with trees and leaves
• Paints and paint brushes
• Old newspapers or other methods of protecting desks from paint
• A4 or A3 paper for the prints

The engineering context

Environmental engineers are professionals who work to develop solutions to environmental problems. They use engineering principles to identify and design solutions for a range of environmental challenges, including pollution control, waste management, and water treatment.

Environmental engineers play a crucial role in protecting the environment and ensuring that human activities are conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner. They work in a range of industries, including government agencies, consulting firms and non-profit organisations.

Suggested learning outcomes

By the end of this activity students will be able to make a leaf print using different leaves and coloured paints, and they will be able to identify and label the main parts of a leaf.

Download the free Make a leaf print activity sheet below!

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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