Life on the Farm: Leaves - Ages 5–10 | Tuesday, October 20th | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | $175 First-Time Students | $145 Returning Students

A leaf can tell us a surprising amount about the plant it came from—if we know what to look for.

During this hands-on Farm School day, students will learn how leaf features can be used to identify trees and other plants growing around the farm. We'll collect specimens and compare leaf shape, margins, veins, arrangement, texture, and other identifying features.

We'll also look inside the leaf to better understand its job. Students will study basic leaf structure and explore photosynthesis: how plants use light, water, and carbon dioxide to produce the food they need to grow.

Using spinach leaves, students will conduct a photosynthesis experiment and compare what happens under different light conditions. We'll use our observations to discuss chlorophyll, light, oxygen, and the factors that can affect the rate of photosynthesis.

Students will also learn how plant specimens can be collected and preserved using a variety of different methods.

This is a day for students who enjoy being outdoors, working with their hands, asking questions, and learning science through real plants and real experiments.

At a Glance

• Ages: 5-10

• Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

• Location: Buckland Family Farm, Flat Top, WV

• Tuition: $175 first-time students | $145 returning students

• Collect and identify leaves around the farm

• Learn how leaf features are used in plant and tree identification

• Examine leaf shape, margins, venation, arrangement, texture, and color

• Compare specimens and practice using observations to narrow an identification

• Study the main structures of a leaf and their functions

• Explore how leaf structure supports a plant's needs

• Study photosynthesis and how plants make their own food

• Examine the roles of light, chlorophyll, water, and carbon dioxide

• Conduct a hands-on photosynthesis experiment using spinach leaves

• Compare photosynthesis under different light and shade conditions

• Record observations and discuss what the results tell us

• Consider the variables that can affect an experiment

• Learn how leaves and other plant specimens are collected and preserved for study

• Preserve fall leaf specimens to take home

• Connect botany to the plants, trees, crops, and seasonal changes happening on the farm

• Intentionally limited enrollment for meaningful hands-on participation

Outdoor activities, specimens, and experimental conditions will vary with weather and seasonal conditions on the farm.

• Register NOW!
  Invoices can be paid using Hope Scholarship when funds are released on October 15th or via PayPal.
  Request to be contacted as new themed dates are added!