The Science of Leaves: A Simple Guide to Fall Nature Walks and STEAM Projects

Why Do Leaves Change Colors?

Like most of the green things you see in nature, leaves are green because of a chemical called chlorophyll. As fall approaches and the daylight hours become shorter, leaves produce less chlorophyll. This reduced chlorophyll production allows other pigments called carotenoids to show, which gives leaves the yellow and orange colors you see in the fall. Leaves can also turn red or purple because of the sugars trapped in the leaves, creating a vibrant assortment of colors.

How Can Parents Teach This to Kids?

You can teach kids about why leaves change color by talking about how plants use sunlight to create energy. When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, plants are green and vibrant because they have a lot of energy. As the weather starts to cool down and the days become shorter, plants don't have the energy to maintain that green color. This lack of energy is also why leaves fall off trees as they start to change color.

These concepts may be slightly difficult for young children to grasp, but there are lots of videos and other educational materials for children that can help.

Fall STEAM Projects for Families

A hands-on approach is typically the most effective method for teaching children, particularly when you're engaging with the great outdoors. These fall STEAM projects are excellent for keeping you and your family occupied and learning during the fall and winter breaks.

A Fall Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt

If you can visit a park or outdoor space, this is one of the simplest yet most entertaining fall activities. During your walk, pause at various spots and encourage your child to use all five senses to observe and describe their natural surroundings. Collect fallen leaves into a bag or book for other activities.
natural environment features

Bring art supplies and encourage your kids to sketch the scenes and elements they notice when possible. Encourage them to focus on animals, plants, soil, clouds, terrain, water, and other natural environment features.

Questions to ask your child:

• How many colors of leaves can you find?
• What tree do you think the leaf came from?

Leaf Rubbings & Classification

Leaf rubbings are a simple and fun art project for kids. Just find some leaves and place them with the rough side up beneath a piece of paper. Rub a crayon over the paper to transfer the texture of the leaf onto the paper. You can collect different types of leaves to compare leaf rubbings and classify leaves by tree type.

Questions to ask your child:

• What type of tree did the rubbings come from?
• How is each rubbing and leaf different?

Leaf Chromotography Filter

This is one of the best STEM challenges involving leaves changing colors. Start with the leaves collected from your nature walk. Then, place similarly colored leaves in a glass.  Add rubbing alcohol to dissolve the pigment. Next, soak filter paper in the pigment to see some of the different colors you can make with leaves.

Questions to ask your child:

• How many different colors are there?
• What do you think makes leaves these colors?

Ink-Powered Leaf Boat

Take a small leaf and place a drop of ballpoint pen ink on it, and place the leaf in water. The difference in surface tension will cause the leaf to propel forward, almost as if it has a motor on it.

Questions to ask your child:

• How is the boat able to move?
• Would this experiment work with other liquids?

Bringing It All Back to Learning

These engaging fall STEAM projects are educational and entertaining, helping children understand the natural transformations that occur as the year winds down. Exploring the outdoors with your children is a fantastic way to enjoy autumn.