Rocket and Raven collect fallen leaves under one big tree. "Every leaf has the same shape," Rocket says.
"But what do you notice about their sizes?" Raven asks.
Nova hovers above the pile. "Sort them," she says. "Find what is alike and what varies."
A trait is a feature of a living thing.
Offspring inherit traits from their parents.
Variation means small differences in a group of the same kind.
Scientists use data to find patterns in traits.
◇ LEAF FAMILY HUNT
Go outside with a grown-up to one tree or bush. Collect ten leaves that have already fallen to the ground. Line them up from smallest to largest. Look for traits they all share, like shape or edges. Look for variation, like size or color. Trace your smallest and largest leaf on paper.
Safety first
Only pick up leaves a grown-up says are safe to touch. Do not touch plants with leaflets in groups of three. Poison ivy looks like that. Poison ivy can cause an itchy rash. Wash your hands when you get home.
For a grown-up
Ask: what did you notice? What would you change? Ask: how were the leaves alike? How were they different?
LAUNCH LAB CHECK
Read the question.
Tap your answer.
All the leaves have the same shape but different sizes. The different sizes show what?
To get a trait from parents is to ____ it.
Small differences in a group are ____.
Riding a bike is a ____ skill.
LEAF THINKING
Read the question.
Tap your answer.
All the leaves came from one tree. Why do they share a shape?