Falling Into Leaves

Designed by: Christine LeBlanc, A.C. Moore Elementary

GRADE LEVEL: Kindergarten    SUBJECT: Science/Math

CORE CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES:  Observe and compare the differences in seasons. (KSES-4) 

OVERVIEW: Leaves change color during autumn because of a loss of chlorophyll due to shorter days and chemical changes triggered by cooler weather. Chlorophyll gives leaves their green color. Plants produce chlorophyll by absorbing light. The days become shorter in autumn which means fewer hours of sunlight for plants to produce chlorophyll. The absence of chlorophyll causes the green to fade and other colors that have always been present in the leaves, such as red, yellow, orange, purple and brown become visible.

In this investigation, students explore how and why leaves change colors. They will use an Intel Microscope, computers and a digital camera to document changes and observations between green (living leaves) and fall leaves (dying). Finally, students will create two quilt squares depicting their observations of the leaves.

Focus/Essential Question(s):

What happens to leaves during autumn?

Why do autumn leaves change color?

Compare these leaves. How are the leaves the same? How are the leaves different?

TIME FRAME: Three thirty minute class periods

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:

Books: 

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, by Lois Ehlert 

Why Do Leaves Change Colors, by Betsy Maestro 

I Found a Leaf, by Sharon Lerner 

How Leaves Change, by Sylvia Johnson 

Internet Connections: 

www.geocities.com/Heartland/7997/sherri2b.htm 

www.nuttinbutkids.com/fall.html 

www.preschoolrainbow.org/counting-theme.htm

Songs/Poems:

Autumn Leaves 
(to the tune of London Bridge) 

Autumn leaves are falling down 
Red, yellow, orange, and brown 
Swirling, swirling, to the ground 
Down, down, down and down.

Leaves Are Falling 
(to the tune of Jingle Bells) 

Leaves are falling 
Leaves are falling 
They fall from the tree
Leaves are falling 
Leaves are falling 
The wind blows them to me
Leaves are falling 
Leaves are falling 
One fell on my head
Leaves are falling 
Leaves are falling 
Yellow, orange, and red.

Fall is Here 
(tune: The Farmer and the Dell) 

The leaves are falling down 
The leaves are falling down 
Red and orange they flutter down 
The leaves are falling down

The squirrels hide their nuts 
The squirrels hide their nuts 
They hide them away for a winter day 
The squirrel hide their nuts

The children go to school 
The children go to school 
They learn and play throughout the day 
The children go to school.

CULMINATING ASSESSMENT:

Teacher observation and student's completed quilt squares.

Falling Into Leaves Rubric 

+ Student is able to make comparisons between green and fall leaves with 100% accuracy 

/ Student is able to make comparisons between green and fall leaves with 75% accuracy 

. Student is unable to make comparisons between green and fall leaves.

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES: 

Day 1: 
1. Teacher will read and discuss with students the book Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, by Lois Ehlert. The teacher will lead students in a discussion of what happens to leaves in autumn and ask if it is possible that the fall colors are hidden within the leaf (The teacher may choose to incorporate the other books, fingerplays, software, etc. listed under resources within learning centers in the classroom). 

2. Students will go in small groups on a nature walk to collect leaves or they can bring in leaves from home (Teacher will help students take photographs with a digital camera to document the various stages of the investigation). By placing two hoola hoops on the ground the teacher will lead students in sorting the leaves by exploring the shape, texture, color, smell, etc. Encourage students to discuss and share the different types and colors of leaves they discover. Students can compare the colors from different types of leaves and sequence them from darkest to lightest or lightest to darkest. Ask the students to explain why the leaves are different and why they think leaves changing colors and falling off of trees helps the trees. 

Day 2: 
1. Students will select a leaf they are interested in examining under the Intel Microscope. Students can examine leaves to observe changes in color and to explore the patterns in the leaf's veins. Leaves that are beginning the process of losing chlorophyll will have evidence of other colors that can be observed clearly under the microscope. The teacher will assist the students in observing and recording pictures of the leaves under the Intel Microscope. 

2.The leaves will be sorted into jars by similar species or color. Students will then tear or cut the leaves into very small pieces (Hint: If a crucible and mortar is available they may be used to crush the leaves instead to enhance the release of chlorophyll). 

3. (Caution: This step should be completed by the teacher to avoid an accident) The teacher will cover the leaves with rubbing alcohol and mix thoroughly. Place the jars in a baking or microwave pan. Teacher will pour hot water into the pan and leave the jars for 30 to 45 minutes. The hot water helps to break down the leaves. 

4. Fold a coffee filter into a compact cone shape. Extend the tip of the filter into the jar until it barely touches the liquid. Tape the top of the filter to the jar top and leave the jar alone so that the filter may absorb the liquid. When the top of the filter is wet ( 30-60 minutes) remove the filter from the jar, unroll it and allow the children to make observations. The filter should contain different shades of colors starting with green and depending on the species of leaf, there should be some yellow, orange or red. Discuss where the colors came from with the students. Allow the filters to dry. 

Day 3: 
Students will work in small groups to share their filters and create their own quilt squares by cutting out sections of the filter and gluing them on a square piece of construction paper to create an autumn tree. Students may choose to draw a tree trunk by tracing their hand, or by cutting out a piece of construction paper. In the corresponding quilt square, the student will document the steps of the investigation by including digital photographs and pictures generated by the Intel computer microscope. The quilt will be displayed in the hall, or posted on the class web page, and saved to be used in future lessons relating to seasons. Practice and Enrichment: To provide additional practice, students could try the same process of chromatography with other types of plants and fruits.