Veda · OUT OF PURE CURIOSITY
Where does a leaf’s green colour go?
Summer leaf · Less chlorophyll · Autumn leaf
Summer leaf
Chlorophyll makes a leaf green and helps capture light. Its strong colour can hide other pigments.
Less chlorophyll
In many deciduous plants, chlorophyll breaks down in autumn and is barely replaced. Yellow pigments become easier to see.
Autumn leaf
Now the leaf is yellow. Leaves do not all change alike: some species make red pigments separately in autumn.
For adults · discuss together
This illustrative leaf shows green and yellow pigments only. Seasonal change is accelerated.
Before experience
Ask: “What do you think will happen?” Let the child check his guess first.
After the experience
What has changed? What remains the same? Where can you notice a similar phenomenon?
