Why Do Leaves Change Color?

First graders were treated to a special lesson by our UVM intern, Ms. Evenson, on why leaves change color in the fall.  They listened to a very informative book on the topic, and observed some creative visual props throughout the reading to help further their understandings.  After the lesson, they colored a paper leaf either red or orange, and then colored over it with green. This was a concrete way to reinforce the concept that the color pigments are in the leaf even when the leaves are still green.  Then the students scraped off the green with a coin to reveal their original color.  Comments were heard around the room such as, "Wow! I learned so much about leaves today!"