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Thinking like a scientistwe are able to figure out

the names of many kinds of plantsin our yards by observing the shape...

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Alternate Leaves

Opposite Leaves

Compound Leaf

Leaflets

LobedToothed

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Maple

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Black Walnut Red Maple

OAKWeeping

Willow

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Pine

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CherrySpruce

White Pine

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Holly

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Dutch Elm GinkgoHemlock

Honey LocustHorseChestnut

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Hibiscus

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Pear

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Why do the leaves change color?

Think about it, then write downyour ideas in your science journal.

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I always enjoy watching leaves turn from

green to red, yellow, orange, and brown.

How does it all work? Any ideas yet?

Keep Writing and Thinking!!!

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During the early spring and summer,plants in our area get a lot of water

through the roots.

This water renews the chlorophyll (green pigment)inside the leaves of the trees. Other colors, which

have been there all along become visible!

A fall with cloudy days and warm nights

brings drab colors.

The color of the leaves fade as fall turns to winter,

and the stems that secure them to the branches begin to loosen

with the change in weather.

The variations in the colorare determined by weather conditions.

And an early frost quickly ends the colorful display.

The brightest colors are seen when late summer is dry,

and autumn has bright sunny days and cool (low 40's Fahrenheit) nights.

Then trees make a lot of

aanntthhooccyyaanniinn pigments (bright red and purple).

What do autumn leaves

and ripening bananas have in common?

The green color in unripe bananas

comes from chlorophyll, the same pigment

that gives green leaves their color.

As bananas ripen, the chlorophyll breaks down and disappears,

leaving the yellow color which has been there all along.

yellow color

The yellows and oranges of autumn leaves are also visible

as their chlorophyll breaks down.