Use real fall leaves to create a tree in your window that brings the backyard even closer. This is an easy project that all ages can enjoy and includes an optional extension activity that will have your and your kids looking at the science of leaves changing color.
Materials needed:
Materials needed:
- Tape
- Clear contact paper
- Brown craft paper
- Scissors
- Fall leaves
Directions:
- Take a walk outside and collect fall leaves with your child.
- Trace a tree trunk with branches onto brown craft paper and cut it out.
- Place the contact paper on a glass window or door held by a tape. Note that the sticky side of the contact paper should be facing your child.
- Guide your child to place the tree trunk in the middle of the contact paper.
- Let your child fill the contact paper with fall leaves, both on the tree branches and falling to the ground.
- Step back and admire your work.
Science Experiment Bonus (Optional):
Use another piece of contact paper to cover the tree and observe how the color of the leaves changes from bright orange or yellow to brown. Make a hypothesis (the scientific word for guess) about how long you think it will take, record your predication and then see how close you are to guessing correctly.
