Abstract

This unit will help students understand why some leaves change colors in the fall and others do not change color.

Invitation

What causes leaves to change color in the fall?

Situations

This unit will take place in the classroom and computer lab. It will also require students to do some observation and data collection outside of school.

Tasks

This project will be incorporated into the chemical change portion of our chemistry chapter. Students will study basic chemistry before beginning this project. Student will record data such as cool evening temperatures and amounts of precipitation. Students will figure a monthly average/total for both temperature and precipitation. Students will also note the predominant color of leaves in the area, date when fall foliage first begins to turn and the date when fall foliage is most brilliant (observation outside of class). Students will then submit the information on the Internet. Data from all over the world will be used in this project. Results will be posted on the web site.

Interactions

Students will work individually when familiarizing themselves with the web site project. Students will work as a class to collect the data. The teacher will appoint two people from the class to submit the data via the Internet.

Assessment

As part of the chemistry chapter test, students will answer essay questions on why leaves change color in the fall.


Tools

computer with Internet access thermometer (this data could also be gathered through the Internet), rain gauge (this data could also be gathered through the Internet), science textbook

Web site

http://www.angelfire.com/nm/focusonfalI

Standards

Standard 1: Science as Inquiry
Standard 2: Physical Science
Standard 3: Science and Technology

Benchmark 1: Observe, explore, infer and classify changes in properties of matter.

Benchmark 2: Develop understandings of the similarities , differences and relationships in science and technology.

Benchmark 3. Identify contributions to science and technology by many people and many cultures.