Leafless Trees in Winter

After the leaves change color in the fall, they fall off and don't grow back right away because they lose chlorophyll during the winter season.

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Pleasant Hill

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 not have leaves on the trees in winter?

Probing Questions

Why might leaves not be on trees in winter compared to fall, summer, or spring?
How might the leaves on the trees be similar and different to other plants that are outside over time?
Why do you think the leaves are no longer on the trees?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Create a class-wide KWL chart on changing leaves and fill out before, during, and after observations and activities.
Make observations outside about the leaves on different types of trees and plants in both early fall, winter, and spring. Students could take notes in a three-column chart during nature walks and/or outside observations in all three seasons. Students can also create detailed drawings of the different leaves and have a classroom gallery walk for students to see.
Create a three-circle Venn diagram to compare and contrast the trees from all times of observation. Work as a class to fill in all details.
Conduct research using approved websites to learn why the leaves have fallen off of the trees.

Resources

Wonderopolis | Why do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?: An article on why leaves change colors and fall off trees.
PBS LearningMedia | But Why: A Podcast and Videos for Curious Kids: September Leaves: This podcast discusses the science behind fall foliage. We learn about the importance of the changing colors for the health and life of the tree, which tree species don't change color and the possible impacts of climate change on trees.

Contributors

Phenomena submitted by Paige Petzenhauser.