Why Do Leaves Change Color?

 

🌿 Why Do Leaves Change Color? 🍁

The beautiful science behind autumn leaves – by StudiesSprouts

Have you ever seen green leaves turning yellow, orange, or red in the fall? It feels like magic — but it's actually science at work!

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🌞 What Makes Leaves Green in the First Place?

Leaves are green because of a pigment called chlorophyll.

• Chlorophyll helps the plant make food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

• This process is called photosynthesis — it's how plants eat!

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🍂 So Why Do Leaves Change Color?

In autumn, days get shorter and cooler.

• Plants slow down photosynthesis and stop making chlorophyll.

• As the green fades, other pigments hidden in the leaves start to show!

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🎨 Hidden Colors Inside Leaves:

• Yellow & Orange – from pigments called carotenoids (also found in carrots!)

• Red & Purple – from anthocyanins, which appear in some plants to protect the leaves

• Brown – from leftover waste and dying cells

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🍁 Fun Fact:

Each tree has its own “color style” depending on the type of pigments it stores. That’s why maple trees turn bright red while birch trees turn golden yellow!

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🌱 Why Do Leaves Fall?

Once the leaf has done its job for the year, the tree seals it off and lets it fall to save energy during winter. It's a natural way for the tree to rest and reset!

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🧠 Sprout Challenge:

Collect 3–5 different leaves from your area.

• Press them in a book

• Label the colors and tree types

• Create a “Leaf Science Art Journal”! 🍃🎨

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