Photosynthesis of Fall Leaves (Why Leaves Change Color)
In this one-time course students will investigate photosynthesis and why leaves change colors through experimentation and a fun activity.
Danita
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(1,560)
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this class students will investigate photosynthesis and why leaves change colors in autumn. The course is broken down into 3 sections (plus a bonus activity in case students get through the experiments quickly): 1) We will investigate leaf colors and how photosynthesis feeds a plant with a short presentation and an experiment which will show photosynthesis in action 2) A short presentation (with a microscope demonstration) will give the students a close look at plant cells and chlorophyll 3) Students will discover why leaves change colors and conduct a chromatography experiment to separate the different colors of chlorophyll from leaves 4) Finally, if we have time, we will finish the class by making a piece of art with our leaves.
Learning Goals
The learning objectives for this course include:
1) The process of photosynthesis
2) Plant cell organelles (specifically chloroplasts)
3) The process of leaf color change
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Although each experiment is made for students in this age range some students may need assistance with the photosynthesis experiment. Specifically, we will need to create a vacuum in the syringe by holding a finger over the end and pulling back on the plunger.
Supply List
Experiment 1 (photosynthesis) Fresh spinach leaves Paper hole puncher 10 mL or larger plastic syringe (without needle) - you get one from your local pharmacy or online Baking soda solution (dissolve 1 tbsp baking soda powder in water) Liquid dish soap solution (dissolve 1 tsp or 5 mL of liquid soap in 1 cup or 250 mL of water) 3 clear plastic cups or beakers , you can pour the solutions into the cups ahead of time (make sure to label): - Cup 1: Detergent solution - Cup 2: Baking soda solution (treatment) - Cup 3: Water (control) - distilled works best Light source (a lamp) Experiment 2 (fall leaf chromatography) Leaves at different stages of turning colors (the more the better, but about 10 leaves for each color works best) Scissors Strong, sturdy drinking glasses (the same number as colors you have represented) Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) Wooden spoon or another wooden utensil with a blunt end to crush the leaves Fork Very small bowls or tea light candle holders (same number as colors you have represented) Strong, white, heavyweight, ultra-absorbent paper towels Ruler Pencil Toothpicks Plate (or other surface to protect you work area from stains) Tall glass jars, such as mason jars (same number as the color you have represented) Clothespins or large paper clips (nine to twelve) Bonus Activity (if we have time): Blank paper Some leaves (up to 5) Some paint (any color) Paint brush
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
90 min
Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-10
1-6 learners per class
