A lesson in which KS2 and KS3 pupils learn to observe and draw leaves, developing their artistic skills and exploring simple scientific ideas around human survival.

We are often told to draw what we see, rather than just what we think we see. However, this lesson encourages pupils to draw what they want to show, rather than just what they see. To do this, pupils will have to really understand the object in front of them by closely observing it, before then trying to get this across in their leaf drawing.

The class then make comparisons of the leaf drawings to assess accuracy, and end with a game to see whether their drawings are useful in helping others to identify leaves.

Objectives and curriculum links
Pupils explore how to use drawings to share ideas accurately, and increase their proficiency in drawing to communicate technical information clearly. They develop knowledge and critical understanding of how art is used in the fields of science and technology.

This lesson enables students to…

• Identify which leaf characteristics are important to show for the purposes of plant identification.
• Develop observational skills and drawing techniques that help them to draw what they want to show.
• Make comparisons of leaf drawings and assess their accuracy.
• Justify the importance of artistic techniques in science.