Transcript field guide notes - Smoley Life Science

Identifying Traits of Plants
Field Guide Project Notes
Field Guide Entries
Answer 5 questions using your notes
Note next to each answer whether it is
a Qualitative or quantitative observation
Draw and color the leaf/leaves
Name the type of plant
Observations
Using your senses and/or scientific
equipment to gather information (data)
from the world around you
Qualitative Observations: Uses senses
- descriptions
Quantitative Observations: Uses
numbers and measurements. Counting,
measuring with a ruler, taking a
temperature, finding the mass, etc.
1. What type of tree is it?….
Deciduous Tree
•Leaves that fall
off in the fall
•Leaves are
usually flat
•Produces
flowers/seeds
Coniferous Tree
•Needle-like
leaves
OR
•leaves do NOT
fall off in the fall
•produces cones
A. Deciduous Trees
If you answer “deciduous” for question 1,
answer questions 2-5 from Section A:
Section A
2. How are the branches arranged?
Opposite
Alternate
3. What type of leaf? Compound or
simple?
First, look for the petiole or stalk of the
leaf.
Simple
•One leaf on the stem
Compound
• more then
one leaf per
stem (3 or
more usually)
4. What do the edges of the
leaf look like?
Smooth
Toothed
Lobed
5. What are any other things
that might help you identify
the plant?
Leaf shape (heart shaped, round, oval)
Number of leaflets (compound leaves)
Can you see any seeds? (may not be
able to see seeds in the fall)
Other things you notice – this is where
you can describe things that help YOU
identify the tree
B. Coniferous Trees
If you answered “coniferous” for
question one, answer questions 2-5
using this section
Section B
2a. What type of needles?
Needle like
Scale-like
2b. If it is needle like, what is the
needle type? (Only answer this if you
answered needle-like for 2a.
Single
Bundle (2-5)
Include the
number
of needles
per bundle
3. How long are the needles?
Measure in cm - only needle like leaves
Write N/A for scale like
4. What does is smell like?
What does the smell remind you of
5. Other traits to help you identify it
Feel of the needles (sharp, bendy, etc.)
Describe the cones if you can see them
Describe the color of the needles (bright
green, bluish, white on the bottom, etc.)
Filling out info for each plant
entry
Use your notes to help you fill out
EACH entry
#1 is always what type of tree or plant
you are looking at (deciduous,
coniferous, other)
2-5 will depend on your answer to
number one. Make sure you are using
the correct section to fill out each entry.