Why Do Leaves Change Color?

lhunt

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Why Do Leaves Change Color?

Introduce kindergarten students to why leaves change color and encourage curiosity about nature through simple scientific explanation and hands-on activities.

This lesson sparks early interest in science and nature, helping students observe changes in their environment and develop basic inquiry skills.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and visual aids with a hands-on demo.

Materials

Leaf Color Chart, Interactive Slide Show: Changing Leaves, and Storybook: The Adventures of a Falling Leaf

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Review the Leaf Color Chart to understand the science behind color changes.
Familiarize yourself with the Interactive Slide Show: Changing Leaves to guide the discussion.
Read through Storybook: The Adventures of a Falling Leaf to prepare for the storytelling segment.

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 minutes

Begin with questions: 'What colors do you see in leaves during fall?'
Show the Leaf Color Chart and point out the changes in leaf pigments.
Explain in simple terms how leaves change color as a part of nature’s cycle.

Step 2

Interactive Activity

15 minutes

Guide the class through the Interactive Slide Show: Changing Leaves to illustrate the process in a fun and engaging way.
Read a short excerpt from Storybook: The Adventures of a Falling Leaf to solidify the concept with a narrative.
Encourage students to share their favorite leaf colors or experiences with falling leaves.

Slide Deck

Why Do Leaves Change Color?

Let's explore how leaves change from green to bright autumn colors!

Introduce the interactive slide deck. Welcome the students and build excitement about the topic. Encourage them to pay attention to the visuals and colors.

The Magic of Pigments

Leaves are green because of a pigment called chlorophyll. As days get shorter, the chlorophyll fades, revealing other colors like yellow, orange, and red!

Explain in simple terms how leaves are green during summer and change color in the fall. Use images to help illustrate the pigments in leaves.

A Changing Journey

Imagine a leaf in summer full of green! Then, as fall arrives, the leaf slowly changes to beautiful colors. Nature's own artwork!

Show a visual story of a leaf changing over time. Emphasize the process and how nature works in cycles. Ask the kids if they have seen these colors on leaves.

What Color Do You Love?

Look at these vibrant colors. Which one is your favorite? Let's share our thoughts!

Wrap up with an interactive question slide. Invite the students to share their favorite fall color or experience with leaves. Reinforce that every leaf tells a story.

Worksheet

Leaf Color Chart Worksheet

In this worksheet, you will see a chart with different colors of leaves.

Fill in the chart by coloring each section and writing the color name you used.

For example:

Green for healthy leaves
Yellow, Orange, or Red as you see in leaves during fall

Color the sections and write your answers in the spaces provided.

Leaf Color Chart

Leaf Section	Color to Use	My Color Name
Section 1	Example: Green
Section 2	Example: Yellow
Section 3	Example: Orange
Section 4	Example: Red

Remember: Every leaf is unique, just like you! Have fun learning about the colors of nature.

Reading

The Adventures of a Falling Leaf

Once upon a time, in a big, bright forest, there was a little leaf named Lila. Lila was bright green and loved to dance on the branches with her friends. Every day, she listened to the whisper of the wind and played hide and seek with the sun.

As summer turned into fall, Lila noticed something magical happening! The days became a little shorter and the sun a little softer. Slowly, Lila began to change. Her green color faded away, revealing beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. She felt like she was turning into a work of art!

One breezy morning, Lila got a gentle push from the wind. "It’s time for an adventure!" whispered the breeze. Lila began her journey to the ground. As she floated down, she saw many other leaves changing colors and smiling at their new looks. It felt as if the entire forest was celebrating the magic of fall.

When Lila landed softly on the ground, she met many new friends who were also on their journey. They shared stories about how each leaf’s color was special and unique, just like the people who loved them.

Lila learned that changing colors was a natural part of life. It meant that the leaves were ready to rest and get ready for a new adventure in the coming spring. With a happy heart, Lila smiled at her new colorful self and dreamed of the next season's warm sun and playful breezes.

The end.