Examine Caribbean plant leaves to discover how their special features help them survive in tropical conditions - from sea spray to drought to strong sunshine.
Caribbean plants have developed amazing adaptations to thrive in our tropical environment! Breadfruit trees have huge leaves to catch sunlight, cacti have spines to save water, sea grapes have thick waxy leaves to survive salt spray, and banana leaves have special ribs to channel rain. Students become leaf detectives to discover these clever designs.
Leaf Detective engages students in close observation of Caribbean plant leaves. By examining leaves from local plants like breadfruit, sea grape, cactus, and banana, students discover that different leaf features help plants survive in different conditions. This hands-on activity develops observation skills while teaching about plant adaptations and functions.
Life Science: Structure and Function
Features:
Why:
Large leaves catch lots of sunlight for making food. The lobes help rain run off.
Features:
Why:
Spines lose less water than regular leaves. They also protect the cactus from animals.
Features:
Why:
Thick, waxy leaves protect against salt spray from the ocean. Grows well on beaches!
Features:
Why:
The ribs help heavy rain run off without breaking the leaf. Large size catches lots of sun.
Place leaves under paper and rub with crayons to reveal vein patterns and shapes.
Sort leaves by size, shape, texture, or where they grow (beach, mountain, dry areas).
Drop water on different leaves. Which leaves repel water? Which absorb it? Why?
Press and dry leaves to create a class leaf identification book.
"Why do you think sea grape leaves are so thick and waxy?"
"What would happen to a cactus if it had big flat leaves?"
"Why does the banana leaf have ribs?"
"Which leaf would be best in a very sunny, dry place?"
"Can you find leaves around your home? What do they look like?"
