Focus: Plants that grow from seed.

Activity, Leaf Impressions

Science

Objectives:

A. The children will explore different plants that grow from seed.

B. Students make a leaf impression and experiment with color mixing to match natural leaf coloration.

Materials Needed:

• Model Magic® (white)
• Scissors
• Washable Watercolors
• Watercolor Brushes

• Leaves
• paper towels
• recycled newspaper
• ribbon
• ruler
• water containers
• yarn

Describe the Activity:

1. Find out why leaves change color in temperate climates in the fall. What weather conditions are necessary? Why do colors vary, even within a single leaf? Collect safe, fallen leaves that are still pliable.

2. Form a tennis-ball sized piece of Crayola® Model Magic® into a circle with the heel of your hand, or roll it with a dowel stick. Make it consistently thick, round, and smooth (use a damp finger).

3. Firmly press the back of a leaf into the modeling compound to make a deep impression. Use a craft stick or other modeling tool to add definition if necessary. With a dowel stick, poke a hole in the top of the compound so it can be hung. Dry 24 hours.

4. Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Experiment with Crayola® Washable Watercolors and Watercolor Brushes to match leaf colors on the impression. Paint the background a contrasting color. Highlight veins with lighter or darker hues. Dry overnight.

5. Measure with a ruler and cut 6 inches of yarn or ribbon with Crayola® Scissors. Thread it through the hole. Knot and hang.

Questions:

What color do you think red and blue make?

What color is that you made?