Leafy Science

Earlier this week, I talked about a paper chromatography project that offers a perfect opportunity for younger students to observe the pigmentation of Autumn leaves and then a make-your-own-markers project that can turn a pile of leaves into a set of homemade art supplies.

For a different spin on fall foliage, the "Leaves and Light" project (no longer available) explores the two kinds of chlorophyll present in plants and the degree to which the color and wavelength of light affects the chlorophyll content of a leaf. With a Science Buddies' Difficulty Level rating of 2 and a time frame of approximately a week, this project is one that can be done at home or in a classroom over a span of days.

For more independent work with fall leaves, the "Chlorophyll Extraction" API offers an abbreviated project idea with a Science Buddies' Difficulty Level rating of 3.