experiment a leaf

Embrace the gorgeous colour of fall this year by conducting a science experiment that shows the colours leaves turn in the fall and explore the science behind this gorgeous transformation that occurs every autumn. We love a simple science experiment and this Leaf Lab is perfect for fall as we explore the big question: Why do leaves change color? Kids from preschool to high school will enjoy this easy and fun Fall science experiment!

Fall Science Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

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I have a love-hate relationship with fall. I love the gorgeous colours and the crispness of the air. And don’t forget all the amazing freshly harvested fruits and vegetables.

But there is also the dread that means winter is coming, and when you live in a place with brutally cold temperatures and snow up to 8 months of the year, it makes the signs of it’s arrival, a little panic inducing.

It’s like a warning sign… GET OUTSIDE NOW!

That’s what makes this Fall Science Experiment so perfect. Not only do you get to learn something fascinating about nature, like exploring how leaves change color, but you also get to spend some time outside!

I highly recommend doing this experiment just as the leaves start changing, while some are still green, and others are at various stages of changing colours.

LEARNING EXTENSIONS EXPLORE MORE FALL STEM ACTIVITIES

Leaf Science Chromatography Experiment

When I first looked into this activity, I came across some sites claiming that this activity would reveal what colours the leaves turn in the fall. After doing a few tests we knew that claim was not accurate. Instead, what this activity does is separate out the active colours in the leaves. By active, we mean the colours need to be at least a little bit visible in the leaf. That means for the best results, try picking handfuls of leaves from the same tree but that are at different stages of changing colours. We have a Mountain Ash that gave us leaves in 4 different colour groupings.

Or you can pick different leaves, from different trees, but don’t expect colours to magically appear that are not visible already in the leaf with this simple science approach.

For a more advanced type of Leaf Chromatography experiment for your middle school and high school students, check out this Leaf Lab . We haven’t done this technique but it looks like it might provide a slightly different result from this more simple science, Leaf Chromatography experiment. And may reveal more of the hidden colour pigments in the leaves.

Our Experimental Method

With this experiment we started by doing the steps with leaves from different trees on our property. These are trees we know very well. Beloved trees we have watched move for the seasons for at least a decade. So we are very familiar with their fall colours.

That’s how we discovered that this experiment doesn’t show what colour the leaves will turn in the fall, and therefore doesn’t really answer our big question: Why do leaves change color? Our tree that we know turns a gorgeous red in the fall, did not show any red at all in the chromatography.

But interestingly, our purple leaf tree, that starts in the spring with green leaves, that turn purple in summer, then orange/yellow in fall, gave us the most dynamic chromatography. We even made a cool heart chromatography!

So our next step in the study we went to our Mountain Ash tree. A HUGE very loved, majestic part of our yard. It also possesses the most amazing array of colours as it enters fall. Right now it has green, yellow-green, purple-green and a gorgeous bright berry red. So many beautiful leaf colours in one massive tree!

Then we redid the experiment. If it was true that the experiment would reveal what colours would appear in the fall, then all the chromatography should have revealed the same colours since the leaves were all from the same tree, picked at the same time, just at different stages of turning to the fall colours.

It turns out that wasn’t the case at all. It was only the active colours that were revealed. Which was a great finding! Which turned this Leaf Lab into an amazing journey of discovery and the scientific method .

To do this fall leaf experiment you will need:

Leaves ! See tips above for the best leaf selection Jars with lids (or plastic wrap will work if you don’t have lids) Rubbing Alcohol Butter knife (or other item that can “mash leaves”) Large bowl or dish that fits the jars Hot water Coffee filters Plates Scissors

Time needed:  2 hours and 30 minutes

Reveal the secret colours of leaves with this science experiment.

Start by heading outside and collecting leaves. I used small bags to keep my leaves organized. In total we did 6 different types of leaves. You want to gather 4 to 6 leaves of each type. Try and get leaves that are at different stages of turning colour for the best results.

Set out one jar for each type of leaf you collected. Into each jar start ripping up one type of leaf. You want to tear the leaves up nice and small. Really tear it up!

Add just enough rubbing alcohol to cover the leaves, then using a knife or other utensil mash up the leaves into the alcohol even more. You should start to see the rubbing alcohol turning a bit green.

Set the jars in a large dish or bowls. Add hot water to the bowl or dish and cover the jars with lids or plastic wrap.

Now let them sit for approximately one hour. Give the jars a little swish every once in a while to help release the chlorophyll. Your alcohol should be turning a nice green. You can also refresh the hot water if it cools too much.

Cut a coffee filter into quarters and place on a plate. Using a teaspoon or dropper add a couple of drops of the liquid to the tip of the filter.

Wait approximately 30 min to one hour to see how the colours move up the filter paper and separate. Pretty cool!

What happens if you leave it in the solution even longer? Maybe overnight? The colours will become more bold and larger, making the colours easier to see.

The Science Of Leaf Color Changes In Fall

Let’s dig into the big question: Why do leaves change color?

Why are Leaves Green?

Leaves, like all green plants, contain Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the molecule that traps the energy of the sun and is called a photoreceptor. It is found in the chloroplasts of green plants, and is what makes green plants, green. It is also a key part of photosynthesis which is what allows plant to get energy from sunlight.

Leaf Coloring

Leaves are actually more colours than just green but Chlorophyll is so dominant most of the summer that its green colour covers up all the other natural colours in the leaves. We can separate the colours of a leaf by doing this leaf chromatography science experiment.

We have done chromatography experiments before, check out our gorgeous Circuit Chromatography Flowers that light up!

In this science experiment we used rubbing alcohol and two types of energy to separate the colours. We used mechanical energy by ripping up the leaves and mashing them, plus heat energy from the hot water.

Look closely at the rubbing alcohol, do you see any other colours in there?

Most commonly you will see green, but depending on the type of leaf you may also see purple, red, yellow, or orange.

What about Purple Leaves?

First a bit of science behind purple leaves. Some plants have a lot of compounds called anthrocyanins which can be red or purple in color. If a plant has enough anthrocyanins, the purple will block out the green color even though the chlorophyll is still there. With this particular type of tree we see that in action because the leaves are green in the spring and turn purple for the summer.

During our walk about collecting leaves we came upon a tree with purple leaves. These trees are quite common around here and we were excited to see how it performed in this experiment.

It was interesting to note that the rubbing alcohol turned green initially, then became purple over time.

Another cool fact about purple leaves, the purple colour protects the leaves from sun damage. It’s like tree sunscreen! So cool!

Leaf Coloring Vocabulary Words

Yellow leaves have pigments called xanthophyll .

Carotenoids are the pigment in orange leaves.

And, as we just learned, anthocyanins , give leaves intense red and purple colouring.

Plus of course we have chlorophyll which gives leaves their green colour.

When looking at your chromatography, each colour in your papers is created by those molecules.

What Makes Leaves Change Color?

OK, time for the big question… what makes leaves change colour ? As we know, Chlorophyll gives leaves their green colour and is so dominant that it hides the other colours in the leaves during the spring and summer. But in the fall, chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, finally allowing the it’s other natural colours to have their moment in the sun!

The beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges might be short lived before the leaves fall to the ground. This year, think about the amazing science behind those changing colours as the trees around you put on their colourful fall displays.

Leaf Craft Ideas

For more crafting and art ideas using leaves , check out this incredible resource.

5 Days of Smart STEM Ideas for Kids

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25+ Leaf Science Experiments Activities and Sensory Ideas

Here you will find over 25 fun leaf science experiments and activities for kids . Everything from why leaf color change happens and the life cycle of trees and seasonal leaf changes. You’ll also see leaf STEM projects, sensory ideas, and even full leaf unit studies.

Leaf Science Projects

Leaf science experiments, activities, and sensory ideas.

So, if you’re looking for new and exciting ways to keep your little ones entertained and engaged in learning, look no further than these leaf science experiments, leaf activities , and leaf sensory ideas !

These hands-on projects are filled with educational benefits. As kids explore the world around them through leaf-themed activities, they’ll develop crucial skills like observation, analysis, and problem-solving.

So grab some leaves from your nature walk or visit a local park and get ready for some science fun!

Leaf Science Ideas

1. Leaf Rubbings – You only need a few sheets of paper, colored crayons, and various leaves. Place a leaf under the paper and rub the crayon over its surface to reveal the leaf’s veins. Experiment with different kinds of leaves to see the different patterns that emerge. This activity helps build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and it’s excellent for looking at the details in the leaves.

2. Leaf Sorting – Gather leaves in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Encourage your children to sort them into categories based on their shared characteristics. For example, they could group leaves by color, shape, or texture. This activity is excellent for your child’s observation skills, cognitive flexibility, and classification abilities.

3. Leaf Printing – Coat one side of a leaf with a layer of paint or ink and press it onto a paper to create a stunning print. Experiment with different colors and paint thicknesses to see what kinds of unique patterns and textures show up. This project fosters creativity, experimentation, and artistic expression.

4. Leaf Sensory Bin – Fill a large bin with leaves and let your child explore them with their senses. Encourage them to look, touch, and even smell them. This sensory activity can help encourage a child’s sensory integration, improve gross motor skills, and spark curiosity about nature.

5. Leaf Chromatography – Cut off the stem and place your desired leaf in the bottom of a tall glass filled with rubbing alcohol. Wait an hour or so for the leaf to release its pigments into the alcohol. After that time, remove the leaf and check the color of the alcohol. It should contain the pigments that the leaf produces and uses to capture light energy during photosynthesis.

This activity teaches children about scientific inquiry, the scientific method, and chemical analysis.

Leaf Activities for Kids

Have fun exploring leaves this fall with these gorgeous autumn crafts , experiments, and ideas.

Sorting Leaves & Seeds from Inspiration Laboratories

Autumn Leaf Chromatography from Life with Moore Babies

Leaves Shapes Botany 3-part Cards Free PDF from Wise Owl Factory

Leaf Matching Activity from School Time Snippets

Fall Loose Parts Sensory Invitation from My Storytime Corner

Fall Leaf Auditory Processing Activities from Sugar Aunts

Felt Fall Tree Play Set Inspired by The Little Yellow Leaf from Buggy and Buddy

Saving Fall Leaves from Mama Smiles

Leaf Chromatography STEM Activity from Schooling a Monkey

Leaf Identification Set from Look We’re Learning

Parts of a Leaf from Twisty Noodle

affiliate links can be found on this blog at no cost to you.

Leaf Experiments for Preschoolers and Kindergarten

Tree and Leaf Nomenclature Cards from Tired, Need Sleep

Autumn Leaves 3-Part Cards from Imagine Our Life

Leaf Science Research from Mrs. Jones Creation Station

Science Behind Why Leaves Change Colors from Edventures

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf Sensory Bin from Stir the Wonder

Autumn Discovery Bottle from Play and Learn Every Day

Hands-on Tree Identification Activity from Edventures

Nature Tray Sorting and Counting from Living Montessori Now

Swimming in Leaves from Fireflies and Mudpies

Leaf Sensory Bag from Kids Craft Room

There are so many creative ways to explore the natural world with children, and leaf science experiments and activities are a great place to start during the fall season.

Whether you’re looking to foster your child’s artistic expression, build their scientific skills and knowledge, or have some fun, these hands-on projects are sure to delight children of all ages.

So grab some leaves and try one (or all!) of these fun leaf activities today!

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Leaf Chromatography Experiment – Easy Paper Chromatography

Leaf chromatography is paper chromatography using leaves. Paper chromatography is a separation technique. When applied to leaves, it separates the pigment molecules mostly according to their size. The main pigment molecule in green leaves is chlorophyll, which performs photosynthesis in the plant. Other pigments also occur, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins. When leaves change color in the fall , the amount and type of pigment molecules changes. Leaf chromatography is a fun science project that lets you see these different pigments.

Leaf Chromatography Materials

You only need a few simple materials for the leaf chromatography project:

• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• Coffee filters or thick paper towels
• Small clear jars or glasses with lids (or plastic wrap to cover the jars)
• Shallow pan
• Kitchen utensils

You can use any leaves for this project. A single plant leaf contains several pigment molecules, but for the most colors, use a variety of leaves. Or, collect several of each kind of leaf and compare them to each other. Good choices are colorful autumn leaves or chopped spinach.

Perform Paper Chromatography on Leaves

The key steps are breaking open the cells in leaves and extracting the pigment molecule and then separating the pigment using the alcohol and paper.

• Finely chop 2-3 leaves or several small leaves. If available, use a blender to break open the plant cells. The pigment molecules are in the chloroplasts of the cells, which are organelles encased within the plant cell walls. The more you break up the leave, the more pigment you’ll collect.
• Add enough alcohol to just cover the leaves.
• If you have more samples of leaves, repeat this process.
• Cover the container of leaves and alcohol and set it in a shallow pan filled with enough hot tap water to surround and heat the container. You don’t want water getting into your container of leaves.
• Replace the hot water with fresh water as it cools. Swirl the container of leaves around from time to time to aid the pigment extraction into the alcohol. The extraction is ready when the alcohol is deeply colored. The darker its color, the brighter the resulting chromatogram.
• Cut a long strip of coffee filter or sturdy paper towel for each chromatography jar. Paper with an open mesh (like a paper towel) works quickly, but paper with a denser mesh (like a coffee filter) is slower but gives a better pigment separation.
• Place a strip of paper into jar, with one end in the leaf and alcohol mixture and the other end extending upward and out of the jar.
• The alcohol moves via capillary action and evaporation, pulling the pigment molecules along with it. Ultimately, you get bands of color, each containing different pigments. After 30 to 90 minutes (or whenever you achieve pigment separation), remove the paper strips and let them dry.

How Leaf Chromatography Works

Paper chromatography separates pigments in leaf cells on the basis of three criteria:

• Molecule size

Solubility is a measure of how well a pigment molecule dissolves in the sol vent. In this project, the solvent is alcohol . Crushing the leaves breaks open cells so pigments interact with alcohol. Only molecules that are soluble in alcohol migrate with it up the paper.

Assuming a pigment is soluble, the biggest factor in how far it travels up the paper is particle size. Smaller molecules travel further up the paper than larger molecules. Small molecules fit between fibers in the paper more easily than big ones. So, they take a more direct path through the paper and get further in less time. Large molecules slowly work their way through the paper. In the beginning, not much space separates large and small molecules. The paper needs to be long enough that the different-sized molecules have enough time to separate enough to tell them apart.

Paper consists of cellulose, a polysaccharide found in wood, cotton, and other plants. Cellulose is a polar molecule . Polar molecules stick to cellulose and don’t travel very far in paper chromatography. Nonpolar molecules aren’t attracted to cellulose, so they travel further.

Of course, none of this matters if the solvent doesn’t move through the paper. Alcohol moves through paper via capillary action . The adhesive force between the liquid and the paper is greater than the cohesive force of the solvent molecules. So, the alcohol moves, carrying more alcohol and the pigment molecules along with it.

Interpreting the Chromatogram

• The smallest pigment molecules are the ones that traveled the greatest distance. The largest molecules are the ones that traveled the least distance.
• If you compare chromatograms from different jars, you can identify common pigments in their leaves. All things being equal, the lines made by the pigments should be the same distance from the origin as each other. But, usually conditions are not exactly the same, so you compare colors of lines and whether they traveled a short or long distance.
• Try identifying the pigments responsible for the colors.

There are three broad classes of plant pigments: porphyrins, carotenoids, and flavonoids. The main porphyrins are chlorophyll molecules. There are actually multiple forms of chlorophyll, but you can recognize them because they are green. Carotenoids include carotene (yellow or orange), lycopene (orange or red), and xanthophyll (yellow). Flavonoids include flavone and flavonol (both yellow) and anthocyanin (red, purple, or even blue).

Experiment Ideas

• Collect leaves from a single tree or species of tree as they change color in the fall. Compare chromatograms from different colors of leaves. Are the same pigments always present in the leaves? Some plants produce the same pigments, just in differing amounts. Other plants start producing different pigments as the seasons change.
• Compare the pigments in leaves of different kinds of trees.
• Separate leaves according to color and perform leaf chromatography on the different sets. See if you can tell the color of leaves just by looking at the relative amount of different pigments.
• The solvent you use affects the pigments you see. Repeat the experiment using acetone (nail polish remover) instead of alcohol.
• Block, Richard J.; Durrum, Emmett L.; Zweig, Gunter (1955).  A Manual of Paper Chromatography and Paper Electrophoresis . Elsevier. ISBN 978-1-4832-7680-9.
• Ettre, L.S.; Zlatkis, A. (eds.) (2011). 75 Years of Chromatography: A Historical Dialogue . Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-08-085817-3.
• Gross, J. (1991). Pigments in Vegetables: Chlorophylls and Carotenoids . Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN 978-0442006570.
• Haslam, Edwin (2007). “Vegetable tannins – Lessons of a phytochemical lifetime.”  Phytochemistry . 68 (22–24): 2713–21. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.09.009
• McMurry, J. (2011). Organic chemistry With Biological Applications (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. ISBN 9780495391470.

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Science Projects > Chemistry Projects > Leaf Chromatography Experiment  

Leaf Chromatography Experiment

To get started with this leaf chromatography experiment, let’s first start with the basics of how leaves get their colors. Leaves contain different pigments, which give them their color. Green chlorophyll is the most common type of pigment, but there are also carotenoids (yellow, orange) and anthocyanins (red). Chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis , usually hides the other pigments until autumn comes along and it begins to break down, revealing the reds, yellows, and other colors from the pigments that are left.

Do this project to see the hidden colors in a green leaf and predict what color it will be in the fall! A great time to do this is at the end of summer, before the leaves begin to change. (Adult supervision recommended.)

What You Need:

• Green leaves from several different trees — trees with a dramatic color change, like maples, work best

• Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
• Plastic wrap
• Chromatography or filter paper (you can use coffee filters)
• Pens or pencils

What You Do:

Keep leaves from different trees separate and follow the steps below for each set of leaves, so you can compare results for your leaf chromatography experiment.

1. Tear the leaves into several pieces and place them in a beaker or glass jar, then add just enough rubbing alcohol to cover them. Cover the beaker with plastic wrap to keep the alcohol from evaporating.

2. Put the beaker in a dish of hot tap water for about 30 minutes, until the alcohol turns green as the pigments from the leaves are absorbed into it.

3. Cut a strip of filter paper at least a half inch wide and tape it to a pencil. Suspend the pencil across the beaker and let the strip just barely touch the alcohol and pigment mixture.

What Happened:

A bit of the mixture will travel slowly up the paper.

After about 30-90 minutes you should be able to see the “green” color break up into several different colors as the different pigments begin to separate.

You’ll see different shades of green, and perhaps other colors as well. Which leaves had the most variety of pigments?

Based on your leaf chromatography experiment, which trees’ leaves do you think will turn the brightest and least brightest colors this fall? Keep track of these trees through late fall and see if you were right!

More Chromatography Projects:

•   Forensic Activity
•   Candy Coloring
•   Color Hide n’ Seek

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You can use paper chromatography to see the different pigments that produce the colors in leaves. Most plants contain several pigment molecules, so experiment with many species of leaves to see the wide range of colors. This is a simple science project that takes about 2 hours.

Key Takeaway: Leaf Paper Chromatography

• Chromatography is a chemical purification method that separates colored substances. In paper chromatography, pigments may be separated based on the different size of the molecules.
• Everyone knows leaves contain chlorophyll, which is green, but plants actually contain a wide range of other pigment molecules.
• For paper chromatography, plant cells are broken open to release their pigment molecules. A solution of plant matter and alcohol is placed at the bottom of a piece of paper. Alcohol moves up the paper, taking pigment molecules with it. It's easier for smaller molecules to move through the fibers in paper, so they travel fastest and move the furthest up the paper. Larger molecules are slower and don't travel as far up the paper.

What You Need

You only need a few simple materials for this project. While you can perform it using only one type of leaf (e.g., chopped spinach), you can experience the greatest range of pigment colors by collecting several types of leaves.

• Small Jars with Lids
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Coffee Filters
• Shallow Pan
• Kitchen Utensils

Instructions

• Take 2-3 large leaves (or the equivalent with smaller leaves), tear them into tiny pieces, and place them into small jars with lids.
• Add enough alcohol to just cover the leaves.
• Loosely cover the jars and set them into a shallow pan containing an inch or so of hot tap water.
• Let the jars sit in the hot water for at least a half hour. Replace the hot water as it cools and swirl the jars from time to time.
• The jars are "done" when the alcohol has picked up color from the leaves. The darker the color, the brighter the chromatogram will be.
• Cut or tear a long strip of coffee filter paper for each jar.
• Place one strip of paper into each jar, with one end in the alcohol and the other outside of the jar.
• As the alcohol evaporates, it will pull the pigment up the paper, separating pigments according to size (largest will move the shortest distance).
• After 30-90 minutes (or until the desired separation is obtained), remove the strips of paper and allow them to dry.
• Can you identify which pigments are present? Does the season in which the leaves are picked affect their colors?

Tips for Success

• Try using frozen chopped spinach leaves.
• Experiment with other types of paper.
• You can substitute other alcohols for the rubbing alcohol , such as ethyl alcohol or methyl alcohol.
• If your chromatogram is pale, next time use more leaves and/or smaller pieces to yield more pigment. If you have a blender available, you can use it to finely chop the leaves.

How Leaf Paper Chromatography Works

Pigment molecules, such as chlorophyll and anthocyanins, are contained within plant leaves. Chlorophyll is found in organelles called chloroplasts. The plant cells need to be torn open to expose their pigment molecules.

The macerated leaves are placed in a small amount of alcohol, which acts as a solvent . Hot water helps soften the plant matter, making it easier to extract the pigments into the alcohol.

The end of a piece of paper is placed in the solution of alcohol, water, and pigment. The other end stands straight up. Gravity pulls on the molecules, while alcohol travels up the paper via capillary action, pulling pigment molecules upward with it. The choice of paper is important because if the fiber mesh is too dense (like printer paper), few of the pigment molecules will be small enough to navigate the maze of cellulose fibers to travel upward. If the mesh is too open (like a paper towel), then all of the pigment molecules easily travel up the paper and it's difficult to separate them.

Also, some pigment might be more soluble in water than in alcohol. If a molecule is highly soluble in alcohol, it travels through the paper (the mobile phase). An insoluble molecule might remain in the liquid.

The technique is used to test purity of samples, where a pure solution should only produce a single band. It is also used to purify and isolate fractions. After the chromatogram has developed, the different bands may be cut apart and the pigments recovered.

• Block, Richard J.; Durrum, Emmett L.; Zweig, Gunter (1955). A Manual of Paper Chromatography and Paper Electrophoresis . Elsevier. ISBN 978-1-4832-7680-9.
• Haslam, Edwin (2007). "Vegetable tannins – Lessons of a phytochemical lifetime." Phytochemistry . 68 (22–24): 2713–21. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.09.009
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How Do Leaves Breathe? A Simple Science Experiment for Kids

By: Author Jacquie Fisher

Posted on Published: September 22, 2022

Categories Educational Activities , Nature & Outdoor Activities , Science Experiments

I just realized that we haven’t shared many Simple Science Experiments lately. Our goal with Simple Science activities is to provide you with quick & easy ideas that help kids explore science! 

For today’s experiment, we’re going to head outside and learn how leaves and trees breathe!

How Do Leaves Breathe? A Simple Science Experiment

Most of our simple science experiments require very few items (many of which are found around your home) and can be set up in less than 5 minutes. If you’d like to introduce your child to science, these experiements are the perfect place to begin!

All you’ll need for this experiment is a bowl of water and a leaf!

We’re going to create an environment where we can actually SEE photosynthesis taking place — the oxygen/carbon dioxide process of plants! 

While you don’t need many supplies for this activity, we have listed affilite links for books and a few items that we found helpful during the experiment and to expand on the learning opportunity.

This activity is really VERY interesting for two reasons:

• first, kids don’t always think of plants & trees as ‘living’ things so this helps them to visualize that concept and

• second, it’s a way to actually SEE something that is normally invisible!

Before you begin the experiment, we suggest introducing the topic with a book.  Here are a few books we highly recommend:

Tell Me, Tree: All About Trees for Kids and A Tree is a Plant (Let’s Read and Find Out Science)   for preschool and elementary age kids.  Both books give a nice overview of the lifecycle of a tree including science terms.

For a more in-depth science look, try Botany: Plants, Cells and Photosynthesis (Super Smart Science) for middle schoolers or if you’re looking for LOTS of great answers to botany science questions, see V is for Venus Flytrap: A Plant Science Alphabet !

If you’re also studying plant cells as part of a biology unit, the Learning Resources Cross Section Plant Cell model or the 4D Plant Cell model are both awesome teaching tools for this concept!

Exploring How Plants and Trees Breathe

Even though we chose to use a tree leaf, you can also conduct this experiment using a leaf from a plant — the important step is including an ACTIVE leaf (meaning one that you remove from the tree or plant).

Step 1:  Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water

You can use a glass or plastic bowl (personally, I like glass bowls better as you’ll be able to see the experiment from all angles however you will probably have the bowl outside so you may want to use plastic).

If you’re replicating this experiment in the classroom, a large size beaker would also work — in fact, you can extend the experiment by measuring the amount of water you use to cover the leaf to see if that has any impact on the results!

I have not tried this experiment with a metal bowl so if you do, send me a note and let me know how it turns out!

Step 2:  Head outside and find a large leaf

You’ll want to remove a leaf from a tree or plant and not just pick one up off the ground as we want an ‘active’ leaf for the project.  I know — if you’re like me, you probably tell kids not to pull the leaves off trees (which is a good rule to follow) but for this experiment, carefully remove a leaf.  If you’re doing this with a group, have kids pair up if you’d like so not as many leaves are needed.

You can also use the leaf to have some fun with art & science by making a leaf rubbing once you complete the experiment!

Step 3:  Place the leaf in the bowl of water and put a small rock on top of it so it is FULLY submerged under the water

You should do this right away.  Don’t let the leaf sit around too long before submerging it in water. Then place the bowl in a sunny spot – outside in direct sunlight is best.

As you can see, this is really the benefit of using a glass bowl — you can be sure your entire leaf is underwater.  If you have a place inside that’s super sunny, you can also try keeping the bowl there.

Step 4:  WAIT!

Oh yea, did I mention that now we need to wait a few hours 😉

I know — one of the hardest things for kids.  So go on with your day — maybe set the experiment up before lunch.  Or your kids can get it ready before they head off to school or the park and it will be waiting for them when they come back.

While you’re waiting, kids can explore the science, math, art and nature of leaves with our *NEW* Leaf STEAM Printable Pack which includes 7 hands-on STEAM activities — create leaf rubbings, make chlorophyll prints, learn the parts of a leaf, construct a leaf graph & more!

Or try one of these other simple science experiments:

Does your Food Sink or Float?   {physics & density for kids}

Create Your Own Gong ! {science of soundwaves for elementary & middle school}

How Much Water is in Snow? {evaporation & weather science}

Step 5:  Take a peek a few hours later

What you should be seeing is small bubbles that form around the leaf and the edges of the bowl.  These are easy to see with the naked eye but having a large magnifying glass on hand always makes an experiment feel more scienc-y 😉

Explaining Photosynthesis & Respiration for Kids

Ask your kids what would happen if they held their breath, went underwater in the pool and then let their breath out — they would see bubbles coming up in the water.

That’s what they are seeing here — the leaf is still using the sunlight as part of the photosynthesis process (where leaves convert sunlight to energy). 

As a leaf creates that energy, it needs to get rid of the items it no longer needs so it will expel both the extra oxygen during  photosysthesis along with water (the release of water from a plant is called transpiration). 

The process of photosynthesis is what allows us to see the bubbles — as the leaf releases its’ extra oxygen while submerged, the oxygen can be seen as bubbles in the water. And since oxygen is lighter than water, the bubbles will eventually rise to the surface.

Related Activity: Name that Tree! Leaf & Seed Identification

Why does a plant need oxygen?

Now, does a tree or plant breathe the same as we (humans) do?

A plant, tree or leaf doesn’t have any lungs or respiratory system. But it is a living organism just like we are!  It takes in air through their stomata.

A human takes in air with oxygen and as they exhale, they release carbon dioxide.

Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and then release oxygen as photosynthesis and respiration occur.

So there you have it — you can tell the kids they are ‘seeing the invisible’ because when leaves are on the tree, you aren’t able to really see the process of photosynthesis in the works 😉

If you’re looking for more plant science ideas, try using a Garden Root Viewer to see how plants grow or use this set of Printable Science Botany Activities to extend the learning !

More Leaf Science Experiments

Here are a few more leaf activities you’ll enjoy —

18 Fall Leaf Crafts & Experiments

Using Leaf Rubbings to Study the Parts of a Leaf

More Simple Science Activities

Looking for more easy science experiments?  Try these!

Dissecting a Flower

12 Citizen Science Projects for Kids

20 Science Experiments you can do in a Jar