Why Leaves Change Color Crossword Puzzle (Free Printable + Answer Key)

This fall leaves crossword puzzle is a fun fall classroom activity for 3rd–6th grade students, with clues covering Chlorophyll, Carotenoid, Anthocyanin, and Deciduous. Free printable worksheet with answer key included.

Across

Layer of cells that lets a leaf break off
Green pigment that helps plants make food
Pigment behind yellow and orange leaves
Natural substance that gives something its color
Tree that keeps its leaves or needles all year
Energy leaves capture to make food

Down

Pigment that turns some leaves red and purple
All the leaves of a plant or tree
Describing trees that drop their leaves each fall
Resting, as trees do through the winter

About Why Leaves Change Color

In summer, leaves are green because of chlorophyll, the pigment plants use to make food from sunlight. As fall days grow shorter and cooler, trees stop making chlorophyll and it breaks down. That lets the yellow and orange pigments that were there all along show through, while some trees make new red and purple pigments.

Why Leaves Change Color Vocabulary

This crossword covers the science of fall color: the green pigment CHLOROPHYLL, the yellow and orange CAROTENOID, the red ANTHOCYANIN, and how DECIDUOUS trees go DORMANT and drop their FOLIAGE.

How to Use This Crossword in Class

Pair this crossword with a leaf chromatography experiment. Crush leaves in rubbing alcohol, dip in a strip of coffee filter, and watch hidden pigments separate over a few hours.

Printable Why Leaves Change Color Crossword Worksheet

Click the Print Worksheet button to print this why leaves change color crossword. The printable version includes the grid and clues, perfect for classroom handouts or homework.

Copy and Customize This Crossword

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