Leaf Skeletons
Skeletons don’t need to be scary, sometimes they are beautiful-
Decomposing leaves (aka leaf skeletons) are rare and beautiful! Have you ever found one?
We challenge YOU to go on a Leaf Skeleton Hunt!
When you find your leaf skeleton, you can use this as a guide to help you determine which part of the leaf is left!
So how do leaves decompose?
Find that answer through your own science experiment!
Work with your kids and brainstorm about how they think leaves decompose. Use your brainstorming ideas to create your experiment! We recommend keeping the leaf as your constant (type, size, level of current decomposition all the same!) and then testing out your theories.
For example if a child thinks sun or darkness causes decomposition, then experiment by having one of your leaves in the sun and the other in the shade. If children think wetness causes decomposition, then experiment by having one of your leaves in water and the other someplace dry. If children think critters may be the cause of decomposition, then experiment by having one of your leaves secured in or on the soil (let your children think about this decision) and place the other leaf in the same location but in a bag.
This would be a wonderful learning opportunity for children to think cognitively and experiment on their own.
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This activity allows children to understand sequencing AND natural processes. Children will need to use their processing skills, logic, and background knowledge to complete the sequencing.
After completing this, children will find joy in the broken brown leaves on their nature walks & begin the search for a leaf skeleton!
