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Leaf Detectives

Activity

A Tree Identification Challenge

Collect fallen leaves from different trees around the school grounds. Can you identify the trees by looking at the shape and size of the leaves?
Eco 3
Eco 3 (3)
Eco 3 (2)

Science Seed

Leaves come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and each type of tree has its own unique leaf. The shape and size of a leaf can tell us a lot about the tree it came from and the environment where it grows. For example, most oak trees have large, lobed leaves, while pine trees have long, needle-like leaves. These differences aren’t just for looks—they help trees adapt to their surroundings. Leaves are the “food factories” of plants, using sunlight, water, and air to make food through a process called photosynthesis. Broad, thin leaves catch as much sunlight as possible, making them common in areas with plenty of water and light. Thick, waxy leaves help conserve water, making them better suited for hot, dry climates. As you collect fallen leaves around the school, pay attention to their shape and size. These features are clues that can help you identify the trees they came from and understand how each tree is specially adapted to thrive where it grows. Fallen leaves also create important habitat for insects and other animals to hide in over the winter, while decayed leaves give the trees food by adding nutrients to the soil for their spring growth.
botany jar illustration

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Sanchez Elementary

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Sánchez Elementary School is close to downtown on Austin’s east side. Built in 1976, the campus boasts murals by Raul Valdez depicting the school’s Hispanic history and heritage. Sánchez was one of the district’s first to introduce two-way dual language education- fitting because the school’s namesake, George Sánchez, was a pioneer in bilingual education. This project was made possible by HEB.

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