Explore why leaves change color with a leaf chromatography experiment and a science reading for ages 12–16 (US grades 7–10). Students separate and compare pigments, calculate Rf values, and use evidence to explain autumn colors. The pack includes a lab, reading, exit ticket, answer keys, and teacher guide.

Use the experiment and reading together or separately: the reading works as a pre-lab, homework, or a no-lab activity. Groups extract pigments from green and fall leaves, run coffee-filter strips in alcohol, record pigment bands, and compare results. Sample Rf data are labeled because results vary.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Two-page student lab and two-page answer key
• Two-page reading with five questions and a two-page answer key
• One-page exit ticket, with two tickets per page, and a one-page answer key
• Two-page teacher guide with preparation, pacing, safety, troubleshooting, and extensions
• Terms of Use

PLANNING DETAILS

• Ages 12–16; US grades 7–10; life science, biology, or general science
• Groups of 3–4; about three class periods over three days, including overnight extraction. The guide also offers a hot-tap-water option of about 20 minutes.
• Materials per group include green leaves or spinach, fresh fall leaves, isopropyl alcohol, four clear cups, coffee filters, toothpicks or swabs, plastic wrap, a spoon, scissors, tape, pencils, ruler, and goggles. Alcohol is flammable; follow the guide’s safety notes.
• 13 pages across eight non-editable US Letter PDFs, including Terms of Use.