Well, I can't give you an ID, but maybe this site can narrow things down enough for you to get some idea of where to start looking. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: plant family ID

Maybe a xanthium?

Here is a link that might be useful: Xanthium on google

Xanthium usually has much larger leaves (from about 4 to 9 inches long is what I've seen)... first thing that comes to my mind is that it's a somewhat abnormal Geum. "Resembling a jester's hat" seems like a reasonable description of the fruits, which also do have hooked styles (see http://boechera.nmsu.edu/~paalexan/inplants2/images/Geum_laciniat_8-1103_6966.jpg, for instance), and many of them would have maple-like leaves of the right size on the stem (see http://www.missouriplants.com/Whitealt/Geum_canadense_page.html for some of the variations in leaf shape). The only problem is that Geum normally has alternate leaves. I've seen some aberrant Geums with opposite leaves, though, so it's not too unusual.

Patrick Alexander

Instead of using the Internet, that student should have been told to use a good field guide with a key or detailed reference books wisth keys(Britton and Brown, Gleason etc) back in the lab. The use of reference texts with keys in the field and in the lab is what an environmental scientist needs to learn to do, not asking the general public on a garden forum what he has found.

Mitre wort (Mitella), foamflower (Tiarella) and Coral bells (Heuchera) all have maple like opposite leaves, Mitre wort has them in pairs up the stem.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mitre wort

Could it be a Clematis?

Here's a sample of Clematis foliage

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:433713}}

Perhaps Metcalf Woods has its own website. If so, a plant list and/or map and/or inventory of plants may be included. Or mention of a contact person.

Or Metcalf Woods may be overseen by a local Park & Rec Department or a Street Tree Department.

In other words, use the internet to locate background and/or history and/or management about Metcalf Woods and you will likely be able to ID your plant.

Is it possible for you to take a photo? That would definitely solve this.
Carol

Since your teacher didn't do what we think she shouldhave, but instead instructed you to use the internet, that is how you should go about your search. You should be able to find a key online that will get you to the family and perhaps even the genus of your plant. If you get that far, "Hortiplex" on this website or the "USDA Plants Database" may take you further.

Good Luck. Let us know when you have identified your plant.