Catching Cottonwood Leaves

I challenge my students to try catching cottonwood leaves as they fall. Kids love the game and I love watching golden leaves against blue sky and seeing kids exulting in the spirit of Fall. After kids have run about for several minutes, I add another level. I tell the kids that I have noticed that falling cottonwood leaves usually fit within three categories: tumblers, spinners and gliders. I challenge them to try catching leaves from each category with special emphasis on the gliders. Depending on the weight and orientation of the stem, cottonwood leaves have an aerodynamic shape that can glide serenely far, far from the launching tree. These flights inspire aesthetic delight. If you have never watched individual cottonwood leaves fall, watch them and watch for the incredible gliders.