Art and Science Among Leaves

The changing colors of leaves this time of year may set a boy's mind to wondering. What was green yesterday turns yellow, red, golden. Is it magic, or is it science?

Last week, our first graders, accompanied by their art, pottery and science teachers, explored Central Park's rich trove of leaves and trees, as they learned about chlorophyll's role in turning leaves green, and in masking a leaf's true hues until autumn's arrival. The boys also examined the autumnal earth, looking for worms, insects, and other living creatures to inform their learning in science.

They gathered samples of the leaves and used a leaf identifier sheet to determine their type. The art class created sculptures from the natural materials they uncovered.

Back in the art studio they are applying their learning about lines, shapes and color to draw leaves.

In pottery, the boys are using the leaves they collected to create beautiful leaf plates and bowls.

In science, they are experimenting with chromatography as they continue to discuss and identify the various types of leaves, change of seasons and the "living" creatures that they uncovered during their Central Park exploration.

Our boys learned so much in this inter-curricular activity, as they explored, discovered, and excitedly shared their finds and thoughts with each other and their teachers. Learning doesn't get much better!

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