Why do leaves change color in the fall?

Maple leaves - NC Cooperative Extension

Phenomenon Description:  In the fall, the green color in the leaves goes away, and we start to see the bright reds, oranges, and yellows that were hiding inside all along. 
Location: Wake County, Wake Forest 
Grade Level or Course: Kindergarten


Question:  Why do leaves change color in the fall?
Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns 
Other related questions you considered about the phenomenon:
Why are there different color trees in the fall?
Science Domain:  Earth and Space Science 

NC Standard:
ESS.K.1 Understand change and observable patterns of weather that occur from day to day and throughout the year.
NC Objective: 
ESS.K.1.1 Analyze and interpret data to compare changes in the environment due to weather.

Additional Resources:
Autumn Splendor: Why do leaves change color in the fall? 
https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/autumn-splendor-why-do-leaves-change-color-fall

 


 

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