One of my homeschool mom friends hosted a fall leaves nature study for the kids, and we took advantage of the weather and seasonal changes to create a fall leaves discovery day. These activities were fun for all ages, as we had an age range from 9 to 16 participating. The kids enjoyed being outside most of all, but adding a little educational value made it a big bonus for us moms.
Fall Leaves Nature Study
After doing these activities, the kids all had some great ideas for their nature journal entries. We discovered that there is more to the pretty colorful leaves than their beauty.
First, the kids gathered around the table to learn about different types of trees and how they grow. They learned some vocabulary, such as:
- conifer
- deciduous
- photosynthesis
- chlorophyll
Then, we answered questions and discussed the process of photosynthesis.
We headed outside and collected leaves for a couple of painting projects. The kids made painted leaf collages with many different colors by painting their color choices onto their leaves and stamping them onto paper. It was especially fun to use non-leaf colors, like bright turquoise.
The second painting project was spray-painted leaves with shimmery spray paint to make a glittery leaf garland. Everyone wore masks and spread their leaves on a tarp in the yard. We used shimmery metallic spray paints to lightly coat each leaf. (*Note — older teens and moms only for the spraying. It’s messy and fumy.)
After all the kids’ hard work, the rest of the afternoon was spent celebrating their leaf discoveries by jumping in a ginourmous leaf pile — over and over again! You’re never too old for a jump into a leaf pile.
Homeschoolers + Outdoor Play = Happiness!
When my kids were younger they used to do leaf identification and projects. It was always theirs and my favorite project. I bet your kids loved this!