Beech trees

Beech trees

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
(i)  (ii)  (iii) 
(iv)  (v)   

The leaves above are from five different types of beech tree. The key below can be used to identify which type of beech tree each leaf comes from

Key

1.

Leaves smooth, with an even edge
Leaves with saw-like teeth (serrated)

go to 2
go to 3

2.

Leaves oval to oblong in shape
Leaves oval to triangular

black beech
mountain beech

3.

Leaves with single tooth
Leaves with double tooth

go to 4
silver beech

4.

Leaves bluntly toothed
Leaves coarsely and sharply toothed

hard beech
red beech
 
a)
Follow the steps in the key to decide what kind of beech trees (i), (ii), and (v) are.
 
(i)  ____________________        (ii)  ____________________       (v)  ____________________
 
b)
Use all the words from the key that describe the leaf characteristics of beech tree (iii).
 
 
 
 
 
 
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper.
Copyright: 
Images: Copyright 'Trees and Shrubs of Zealand' by Lindsay Poole and Nancy Adams, Manaaki Whenua Press.
Permission to use courtesy of  Manaaki Whenua Press (27 January 2006).
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Living World
Keywords: 
evolution, identification, trees, beech, leaves, classification keys
Description of task: 
Using illustrations from five different beech trees and a key, students are asked to identify which type of beech tree each leaf comes from.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss the purposes of identification keys and how to read them.
 

 
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Making Better Sense: 
Trees
Answers/responses: 

 

Y8 (09/2001)

a)

(i)
(ii)
(v)

hard beech
black beech
red beech

moderate
easy
moderate

b)

  
  • Leaves with saw-like teeth (serrated).
  • Leaves with double tooth.

very difficult