25+ Leaf Science Experiments Activities and Sensory Ideas

Here you will find over 25 fun leaf science experiments and activities for kids. Everything from why leaf color change happens and the life cycle of trees and seasonal leaf changes. You’ll also see leaf STEM projects, sensory ideas, and even full leaf unit studies.

Leaf Science Projects

Leaf Science Experiments, Activities, and Sensory Ideas

So, if you’re looking for new and exciting ways to keep your little ones entertained and engaged in learning, look no further than these leaf science experiments, leaf activities, and leaf sensory ideas!

These hands-on projects are filled with educational benefits. As kids explore the world around them through leaf-themed activities, they’ll develop crucial skills like observation, analysis, and problem-solving.

So grab some leaves from your nature walk or visit a local park and get ready for some science fun!

Leaf Science Ideas

1. Leaf Rubbings – You only need a few sheets of paper, colored crayons, and various leaves. Place a leaf under the paper and rub the crayon over its surface to reveal the leaf’s veins. Experiment with different kinds of leaves to see the different patterns that emerge. This activity helps build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and it’s excellent for looking at the details in the leaves.

2. Leaf Sorting – Gather leaves in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Encourage your children to sort them into categories based on their shared characteristics. For example, they could group leaves by color, shape, or texture. This activity is excellent for your child’s observation skills, cognitive flexibility, and classification abilities.

3. Leaf Printing – Coat one side of a leaf with a layer of paint or ink and press it onto a paper to create a stunning print. Experiment with different colors and paint thicknesses to see what kinds of unique patterns and textures show up. This project fosters creativity, experimentation, and artistic expression.

4. Leaf Sensory Bin – Fill a large bin with leaves and let your child explore them with their senses. Encourage them to look, touch, and even smell them. This sensory activity can help encourage a child’s sensory integration, improve gross motor skills, and spark curiosity about nature.

5. Leaf Chromatography – Cut off the stem and place your desired leaf in the bottom of a tall glass filled with rubbing alcohol. Wait an hour or so for the leaf to release its pigments into the alcohol. After that time, remove the leaf and check the color of the alcohol. It should contain the pigments that the leaf produces and uses to capture light energy during photosynthesis.

This activity teaches children about scientific inquiry, the scientific method, and chemical analysis.

Leaf Activities for Kids

Have fun exploring leaves this fall with these gorgeous autumn crafts, experiments, and ideas.

Sorting Leaves & Seeds from Inspiration Laboratories

Autumn Leaf Chromatography from Life with Moore Babies

Leaves Shapes Botany 3-part Cards Free PDF from Wise Owl Factory

Leaf Matching Activity from School Time Snippets

Fall Loose Parts Sensory Invitation from My Storytime Corner

Fall Leaf Auditory Processing Activities from Sugar Aunts

Felt Fall Tree Play Set Inspired by The Little Yellow Leaf from Buggy and Buddy

Saving Fall Leaves from Mama Smiles

Leaf Chromatography STEM Activity from Schooling a Monkey

Leaf Identification Set from Look We’re Learning

Parts of a Leaf from Twisty Noodle

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Leaf Experiments for Preschoolers and Kindergarten

Tree and Leaf Nomenclature Cards from Tired, Need Sleep

Autumn Leaves 3-Part Cards from Imagine Our Life

Leaf Science Research from Mrs. Jones Creation Station

Science Behind Why Leaves Change Colors from Edventures

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf Sensory Bin from Stir the Wonder

Autumn Discovery Bottle from Play and Learn Every Day

Hands-on Tree Identification Activity from Edventures

Nature Tray Sorting and Counting from Living Montessori Now

Swimming in Leaves from Fireflies and Mudpies

Leaf Sensory Bag from Kids Craft Room

There are so many creative ways to explore the natural world with children, and leaf science experiments and activities are a great place to start during the fall season.

Whether you’re looking to foster your child’s artistic expression, build their scientific skills and knowledge, or have some fun, these hands-on projects are sure to delight children of all ages.

So grab some leaves and try one (or all!) of these fun leaf activities today!