Why do leaves change colour?

Children extract pigments from leaves in a simple experiment.

Steps

1. We collect green leaves and tear them finely.
2. We put them in a jar with alcohol (adult) or warm water.
3. We put in a strip of filter paper and wait.
4. We observe coloured streaks on the paper.

Tip: Alcohol is handled only by an adult; with children you can use the water version.

Materials needed

• Filter paper (1 pack)