The Hidden Colors of Fall
The Hidden Colors of Fall
Why Do Leaves Change Color?
A Fall Science & Nature Study for Curious Kids
Every fall, the trees put on an incredible show, but why does it happen?
Why are leaves green all summer? Where do the yellow and orange colors come from? Why do some leaves turn bright red? How does a tree know when it's time to let its leaves go? And why do some trees stay green all winter?
In this beautifully illustrated fall nature study, kids become nature detectives as they follow the clues and uncover the science behind one of autumn's biggest mysteries:
Why do leaves change color?
Rather than simply memorizing the answer, kids will investigate what is happening inside the leaf and inside the tree as summer turns to fall.
They'll discover the role of chlorophyll and other leaf pigments, how shorter days affect trees, why leaves eventually fall, what happens to them once they reach the forest floor, and why evergreen trees follow a completely different strategy.
Inside the Unit
Your child will explore topics such as:
- Why leaves are green
- What chlorophyll does
- What happens as daylight decreases
- Where yellow and orange fall colors come from
- Why some leaves turn red and purple
- How trees prepare for winter
- How and why a tree releases its leaves
- What happens to a leaf after it falls
- Decomposers and the tiny creatures living in leaf litter
- Why pine needles stay green
- Different tree species and their characteristic fall colors
- And plenty of fascinating fall discoveries along the way
More Than Just a Science Lesson
This unit combines science, nature study, observation, hands-on learning, art, activities, and critical thinking to help kids understand the why behind what they're seeing outside their own windows.
Take it on a nature walk. Collect leaves. Investigate their colors. Look beneath the leaf litter. Identify trees. Or curl up inside and work your way through the mystery together.
There is no "right" way to use it.
The goal is simple: to help your child look at an ordinary autumn leaf and realize there's an extraordinary amount of science hiding inside it.
Digital Product: This is a digital curriculum. No physical product will be shipped.
Due to the digital nature of this product all sales are final