🍁 Changing Leaves Grades 2–3 Learning Pack

A Cross-Curricular Fall Science Unit for Second & Third Grade

Bring autumn science to life with this engaging Changing Leaves Learning Pack, designed specifically for grades 2–3. This unit dives deeper into the science of leaves, chlorophyll, seasonal change, data analysis, reading comprehension, and scientific writing, giving students meaningful hands-on learning with age-appropriate rigor.

Perfect for classroom teachers, homeschool families, and small groups, this pack blends NGSS-aligned science with literacy, math, critical thinking, and creative expression.

🍂 What’s Included

• ✏️ Detailed Lesson Plans
  Multi-day structure with science investigations, discussion questions, vocabulary routines, and extension options.

• 🍁 Science Investigations & Experiments

  • Why leaves change color (chlorophyll breakdown explained simply)

  • Sunlight and seasonal patterns

  • Leaf structure & function

  • Compare leaves from different trees

  • Scientific observation using real leaves

• 🔤 Reading & Vocabulary Activities

  • Nonfiction reading passages (2 levels included)

  • Text-feature scavenger hunt

  • Academic vocabulary: chlorophyll, pigment, nutrients, deciduous, evergreen, climate

  • Comprehension questions

  • Close reading prompts

• 📝 Writing Extensions

  • Informational writing: “How Leaves Change”

  • Scientific labeling (leaf anatomy)

  • Opinion writing: “Which Tree Is the Most Interesting and Why?”

  • Sequencing & summary writing

  • Research mini-project templates

• 🔢 Math & Data Activities

  • Leaf measurement (cm/inches)

  • Data tables

  • Bar and picture graphs

  • Color distribution analysis

  • Attribute classification

• 🎨 Creative Art & STEAM Projects

  • Leaf symmetry art

  • Watercolor leaf veins

  • Leaf printmaking

  • STEM challenge: Build a leaf press

• 🌿 Nature Journal Pages

  • Scientific drawing

  • Observation logs

  • Compare-and-contrast templates

  • Field notes from nature walk

• ✋🖐️ Centers & Small Group Activities

  • Leaf identification cards

  • Attribute sorting mats

  • Vocabulary matching games

  • Comprehension task cards

  • STEM building prompts

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family/At-Home Extensions

  • Nature walk scavenger hunt (grade-level version)

  • At-home mini investigation

  • Optional leaf collection assignment

🍃 Skills Students Will Build

• Science: analyzing cause/effect, understanding seasonal cycles, identifying plant parts, using scientific tools, recording data

• Literacy: nonfiction reading, vocabulary development, summarizing, understanding text features

• Writing: informational writing, labeling diagrams, citing evidence, comparing and contrasting

• Math: graphing, measuring, classifying, analyzing patterns

• Critical Thinking: observation, inference, data analysis, scientific reasoning

• Creativity: representing scientific ideas through art and STEAM challenges

🌟 Why Teachers Will Love This Pack

• Perfect for ages 7–9 (Grades 2–3)

• NGSS-aligned fall science content

• Smooth blend of science + literacy + math

• Includes differentiation options for multi-level classrooms

• High-engagement activities that build curiosity

• Ideal for whole-group instruction, centers, or independent work

• Great for classroom, homeschool, after-school programs, or intervention

🍁 Perfect For

• Second grade classrooms

• Third grade classrooms

• Multi-age 2–3 groups

• Homeschool families

• Nature-based or thematic fall units

Bring deeper understanding, hands-on science, and cross-curricular learning to your fall season with the Changing Leaves Grades 2–3 Learning Pack — a favorite for curious young scientists!