William A. White

Arsenal Technical High School
Indianapolis, IN

2000

Frontiers in Physiology

Summer Research Teacher

 

C. Subah Packer, Ph.D.
Indiana University 
School of Medicine


2000

Summer Research Host
Why Do the Colors of Leaves
Change in the Fall?
Grade Level: High School 
Subject: Biochemistry 

The color change of the leaves on deciduous trees is one of the most striking signals that summer is ending and fall is beginning.  What is it that causes this change in color?  We all know that leaves contain chlorophyll – giving them their green-color but why do they change from green to the palette of colors we see in the fall?  In this investigation students determine the pigment molecules that green plants contain and what happens to those molecules as the season progresses.
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student-centered learning activities include:

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An inquiry level of 4 or 5

4

  
An integrated Internet component Yes  
Assessments for content knowledge Yes  
Assessments for process skills Yes  
Addressed the "ABC" rules for humans and/or animal use N/A  
Use of multiple learning styles and opportunities for all students Yes  
Proper safety precautions and warnings Yes