I just updated an old product I have listed on Teachers Pay Teachers — the Leaf Collection Project. I decided to modify it for kids who love to use their phones to take pictures and added a Selfie Option!
Instead of collecting a real leaf specimen (and pressing it, and gluing it, and binding the pages together), kids take a selfie with the leaf. They also take a photo of the leaf with a ruler (for help in identification), a photo of the whole tree, and (if they want to) a photo of fruit or seeds.
Then they can use the app of their choice (or their teacher’s choice) to make a digital book, slideshow, or presentation that shows their collected leaves and identifying information.
I think the amount of work is about the same, and this kind of reporting is definitely relevant for science today. The kids have amazing technology in their hands — why not use it?
Click here if you are new to Teachers Pay Teachers. It’s a wonderful resource and a great time saver! (Referral link.)