Leaves Are Not Litter

This science based program will explore how and why leaves change color and fall from trees in Autumn. In addition, children will learn the importance of leaving the leaves on the ground for use by wildlife/insects to survive the winter. This information will be shared and reinforced in a variety of fascinating and fun ways. We will read a story about why leaves change color. We will extract chlorophyll from green leaves to demonstrate how other color pigments are actually present in the leaves while still green, but only visible in the Fall. Children will become familiar with many of the wildlife/insects that rely on leaves for overwintering through photos and discussion of their role in the ecosystem. We will make leaf animals and more.