Color Change of Leaves

The trees become full of leaves in the spring and summer, and during the fall, the leaves change colors and fall from the trees. The structure and processes of the plant allow this change to occur as a period of dormancy, a sort of hibernation, for the tree.

Image

Northeast

Iowa Core Standard

4-LS1-1

Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction

Driving Question

Why do some trees' leaves change color each year?

Probing Questions

What do you notice about the leaves on the trees?
How has the appearance of trees changed from summer to fall?
Why do you think the leaves have changed colors?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Go outside during each season and draw a picture of the tree at that time. Discuss changes.
Look at different types of trees and research the different categories of trees and discuss findings.
Investigate and compare leaves that change colors and those that do not.

Resources

PBS LearningMedia | Cyberchase: Environmental Science: Why Do Leaves Change Color?: Follow along with this video from Cyberchase For Real to conduct an experiment to find out why leaves change color. Support materials include an activity guide with step-by-step instructions to follow along with the experiment.
PBS LearningMedia | CampTV: Why Do Leaves Change Color?: Explore the trees at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and learn why their leaves change color in the Fall.
Wonderopolis | Wonder of the Day #47: Why Do Leaves Change Color in Autumn?: This resource includes a video and probing questions.

Contributors

Phenomena submitted by Janet Riordan