In the spring, many plants burst to life growing the green leaves they need in order to survive. Fun autumn leaf facts explaining why leaves change colors; suitable for Kindergarten through Grade 6. SEE THE BUSY TREE. Let’s dig into the big question: Why do leaves change color? It is found in the chloroplasts of green plants, and is what makes green plants, green. See the busy tree - out in the sun, The Science Of Leaf Color Changes In Fall. Find out why leaves change color in the fall. The chlorophyll (green color) fades and other colors (mainly red/yellow/orange/tan) in the leaves begin to show. Suggested Reading. This unit on the science of leaf colors is for kids 9 to 12 years old and will help answer the question: Why do leaves change colors in the fall? References: Biology for Kids "Photosynthesis" Wikipedia "Deciduous" Science Made Simple Leaf Graphic This post is part of the series: Kindergarten Lesson Plans: Leaves. The science behind leaves changing colors. To preschoolers, the changing colors of fall leaves may seem like something close to magic. On the lines below, describe what you like about autumn where you live. It takes a lot of energy to make chlorophyll. Terms/Concepts: Learn what photosynthesis is and how using chemistry you can see the different colors in a green leaf; Understand why leaves do not stay green in the fall. Preschool Science Activity – Why Do Leaves Change Colors? Why Do Leaves Change Colors?Leaves need sunlight, air, water, and chlorophyll to make food (sugar) for the tree.Leaves get less light each day in the fall and stop making food to prepare for the winter. But in the Fall, the weather changes; the days are shorter with less sunshine and the days are dryer with less water. Chlorophyll is the molecule that traps the energy of the sun and is called a photoreceptor. Some of the most beautiful fall foliage features both types of pigments, often with one color giving way to the next as the season progresses. Leaves, like all green plants, contain Chlorophyll. Why Leaves Change Color by Lydia Lukidis In the article, “Why Leaves Change Color,” you learned that the decrease of sunlight in the fall leads to the beautiful red, orange, yellow, purple, and brown colors we see on the trees all around us. by Viki Woodworth. If the plants break down the chlorophyll and move it out of their leaves before the leaves fall, plants save energy. Learn about the different pigments found in leaves and how bright autumn foliage is produced. Clifford’s First Autumn by Norman Birdwell. Do Cows Turn Colors In The Fall? Why might that be? Soon the tree does not have enough sun and water to make both it's food and Chlorophyll, so it stops making Chlorophyll and the leaves return to its natural color. In this mini-lesson, students discover how and why some tree leaves change color when the weather starts to get colder. So many leaves are falling! 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