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Leaf Detectives

Activity

Double Sided Discoveries

Go out and collect three different types of leaves. Use assistance as necessary to gather leaves. Touch and closely examine both sides of the leaves. Do you feel any differences between the two sides? Do you notice any differences between the different leaves?
a girl standing in the creek holding a small bouquet of red leaves and green grasses
a girl holding and looking at a small fern leaf
a picture of assorted leaves from green herb plants

Science Seed

There are two main types of plants. Vascular plants have veins that help move water and nutrients through the plant. Non-vascular plants do not have these veins. Most vascular plant leaves have a top and bottom side that feel and look different. The main job of leaves is to make food for the plant using photosynthesis, a process where the plant turns sunlight into sugar that it can use for energy.
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 the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Ecologist School Pocket Guide: TSBVI edition is a collaboration between Families in Nature and the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired as an effort to help our community learn more about the TSBVI campus, while getting outside into nature together! This booklet has 80 lessons across 16 different branches of science to help you play, learn, and volunteer on campus!

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.
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