Level 1
Match one leaf or leaf photo.
2026–27 • Labs & wellness
Plant Detective: Leaf Clues
Use leaf shapes and edges as clues for comparing plants.
Classroom lesson: Plant Detective: Leaf CluesToday I can…
compare visible leaf clues
Words to know
Words for this lesson
LEAFEDGEVEINPHOTOPLANT
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Look at leaves
Look at the two large leaf photos.
- 2
Find an edge
Find the outside edge of one leaf.
- 3
Find a match
Choose the photo that matches the displayed leaf.
- 4
Compare shapes
Choose a broad leaf from the photos.
- 5
Sort one way
Group the leaf photos by their shape.
- 6
Show a clue
Show one leaf feature that helped you choose.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
SAMEDIFFERENTBROADHELPBREAK
Teacher & para guideMaterials, learning objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Large leaf photos; adult-selected nontoxic leaves without thorns or irritating sap; tray; large magnifier; two sorting mats; AAC choices. Avoid unknown plants.
Safety first
Keep learners seated at a shared display; offer observation without touch and AAC, gaze, gesture or speech. Honor NO, STOP and BREAK; allow wait time and follow individual vision, allergy, mouthing and supervision plans. Select support individually, never by age or House. Adults handle only identified nontoxic specimens without thorns or irritating sap; avoid unknown plants. Offer enlarged photos instead of specimens or magnifier use. Do not taste or smell leaves. Shape, edge and veins support comparison; color alone or one clue may not identify a plant.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Individual learning objectives
Choose Level 1, 2 or 3 individually in either House group. A House is not an ability level. Watching, directing and communicating a boundary are valid participation.
Level 2
Sort leaves by one visible feature.
Level 3
Describe two clues used to compare leaves.
Skill focus: Visual discrimination, classification, texture comparison, observation
30-minute teaching sequence
Introduce · 5 min
5 min: Show two large leaf photos. Ask, "Same or different?" Point to shape, edge and veins. Leaves are plant parts; color alone does not tell us a plant's identity. Offer LOOK/NO TOUCH.
I do · 10 min
I do 10 min: Compare broad and narrow leaves from known safe plants. Model checking one feature at a time. Match a leaf to its photo. Explain that a clue helps comparison but one clue may not identify the plant.
We do · 10 min
We do 10 min: Learners match or direct sorting of four photos by shape or edge. Change the sorting rule for Level 3. Adults handle specimens. Students may use a large magnifier or view an enlarged photo without touching.
Exit choice · 5 min
L1: Which matches? L2: Which leaf is broad? L3: Which two clues did you use? Accept AAC, gaze, gesture or speech. Record response/support; cue ALL DONE.
Science note: Clue means something we notice.
Curriculum connection: NGSS LS1.A connection.
Prepare for this learner
Seat students at one shared display. Offer watch/no-touch, AAC, gaze, gestures or speech; wait and respect NO/BREAK. Use one-step cues. Follow individual vision, allergy, mouthing and supervision plans. Select levels individually in either House group.
Record the response, access method, opportunities and support used. Record observed, declined or not assessed separately; a communicated refusal is not a failure of participation.
Word lesson plan
Editable classroom source plan. Source files may retain earlier titles. Use the individual level choices and safety guidance above when preparing the session.
Access supports
Communication Model five core words; accept speech, AAC, eye gaze, gestures, object choices, signs, and partner-assisted scanning.
Sensory Present one material at a time. Offer tools, gloves, observe-only, a scent-free choice, and a quiet break.
Motor Stabilize containers, pre-loosen parts, use adapted grips, and offer seated, standing, partner, or directing roles.
Learning Show the finished result, model first, use short visual steps, repeat, and record the least support needed.