Marvelous and Magnificent Maples
Provided by: Learning for a Sustainable Future|Published on: May 22, 2026|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 2, 3, 4
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Science, Visual and Performing Arts
Authors: Focus on Forests
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This two-period lesson plan takes students outdoors to observe and collect native maple leaves, then guides them through the creation of leaf art.
- Students learn to identify maple species by branching patterns and leaf shape, and discuss the values of native maples.
- Though the background information is specific to Ontario, Canada, this lesson can be implemented wherever there are native maple species.
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- This is best completed in autumn when leaves are falling.
Preparation:
- Gather materials:
- Sample leaves or printouts
- Enough 5-inch squares of paper for each student to do at least two leaf rubbings
- Crayons, paper removed
- Watercolors
- Paint brushes
- Masking tape
- Before the outdoor activity, scout the school yard or local park to identify available maple species; if only one species is present, adapt to compare maple leaves with other broad-leaved trees such as oak or poplar.
Climate Change Connections:
- Build students' understanding of native vs. invasive species, to eventually build towards the topic of how native species are impacted by climate change.
This lesson presents native Canadian maple species and includes a tree identification activity. All key terms are clearly defined throughout, and several helpful links are included. Climate change is not directly mentioned in this resource, but rather invasive species are presented as the greatest threat to native maples. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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