Falling leaves

FOCUS QUESTION* (Big Idea)

Why do leaves fall?

 

PREDICTION/ HYPOTHESIS*

I predict if we go look at a tree we can tell what happens differently in the Fall and what causes leaves to fall off.

 

PLANNING   

First, go outside and observe a tree. Draw a diagram and label all of its parts. Look at where it grows. Whee does it get the energy to grow? How does it get food and water? Which leaves are changing colors adn falling first?

 

 DATA*

The tree gets energy from the sun and from the stuff in the ground through the roots. Many things live in trees like birds. The leaves on the bottom of the tree were changing color to yellow and some fell off in the wind.

 

CLAIMS AND EVIDENCE*

I think leaves change color and fall off because they don't get as much sunlight in the Fall as they do in Summer. I saw this on the tree we looked at.

 

CONCLUSION/REFLECTION*

My prediction was right. We can tell why the leaves fall by looking at the tree. We saw the leaves on the bottom with less sunlight were more yellow and fell off in the wind. 

 

**QUESTIONS:  How much more will our tree change as it gets colder outside?