Why do leaves change colors in the Autumn?
Project: Have kids collect different colored leaves in the fall. Categorize leaves by species and color. The same species may have many different colors, especially red maple. Also, have kids record the dates when trees at home, at school, or in another selected place begin to change color. Make notes by species and see if any patterns can be observed. It would be interesting to have a “sister” school in a different part of the state to compare color change with. The short answer is that chlorophyll production drops-off as night length increases. The green part of the light spectrum is no longer reflected and other compounds, chemicals called “anthocyanins” (reds) and “carotenoids” (yellows), become the dominant pigments in the leaves. The longer answer involves discussions of changing day lengths and weather, and strategies dealing with nutrient loss with the dropping of leaves. What is the story behind Autumn leaf fall? The purpose of Autumn leaf fall is to prepare for winter dormanc
