Mosaic Leaves

Objective

Students use the LEGO Mosaics Set to re-create the shapes of a variety of leaves.

Description

The leaves of a tree are amazing, as each one is very different from the next. Using the mosaic tiles, students will explore these differences as they attempt to re-create a leaf's unique features using a variety of simple shapes.

Procedures

Before class begins:

1. This activity requires the use of leaves. It is up to each individual instructor to decide whether or not the students should be a part of the leaf-collection process. If not, the teacher must gather an appropriate number of leaves (depending on the class size or number of sets available for use) that vary in both size and shape.

During class activity:

1. The teacher gives each student a building plate and a set of the mosaic tiles. (If the number of sets is limited, then the students may work in pairs or teams.)
2. The teacher gives an introduction to the activity.
   

   Example: Leaves are an amazing and important part of a tree, as this is where all the food that the tree needs to live and grow is produced. Leaves are also special because every single one is different from the next. Some leaves have round, smooth edges, while others have jagged, sharp points. Today, we are going to investigate the different features of leaves and then use the tiles to create mosaic leaves that look just like the real thing.

3. The teacher gives each student (or group of students) a real leaf and then instructs them to re-create the leaf using the mosaic tiles. As the teacher passes out the leaves, he/she should briefly point out some of the key features of the leaves, such as overall shape, or any rounded/jagged edges.
4. The students work by themselves or with their groups to do their best in creating a look-alike leaf using the mosaic tiles. When finished, the following discussion should take place.

Discussion

1. Have each of the students/groups explain their finished mosaic design, asking them to point out the special features of their leaf and how these features are conveyed in their designs.
2. What shapes did the students use in re-creating the leaf?
3. Was one shape used in their designs more than any other?
4. How many tiles were used in each of the designs?

Continuation

1. Each time the student/students have finished re-creating a leaf, the teacher can take the mosaic board and make a photocopy of their final design.
2. The students can cut out the photocopied leaf and then use this as a stencil.
3. The students use this stencil to trace the leaf onto either a white or colored piece of construction paper.
4. After the students have finished tracing, the teacher instructs them to give their leaf more lifelike characteristics. Encourage the students to include the veins running through the leaf, variations in color, and any ridged/curved edges or holes that the leaf may have. The students will then cut out their realistic leaves.
5. When finished, the students hand in both their lifelike and photocopied mosaic leaves.
6. The teacher can either keep the leaves or put them on display. One way to display the work is to create a tree. Use brown construction paper to create a tree trunk and some limbs. When assembling the tree, be sure to place the pairs of leaves side by side, so the students have a visual of how each leaf is broken into simple shapes.