As summer fades away, the colors of fall emerge. The season is filled with vibrant foliage, cozy sweaters, and warm drinks. Here are some fascinating fall facts for kids.
1. It’s all about the leaves
The most distinct feature of fall is the changing colors of leaves. During the summer, the green leaves make food for the tree through a process called photosynthesis. As the weather gets cooler and the days shorter, the trees prepare for winter by producing less chlorophyll, the pigment that makes the leaves green. This change allows other pigments in the leaves, such as red and yellow, to show through.
2. Harvest time
Fall is also known as the harvest season. Farmers harvest crops such as apples, pumpkins, and corn. The hard work of the farmers leads to delicious autumn treats such as apple cider, pumpkin pie, and cornbread.
3. Animals preparing for winter
Just like the leaves changing colors, many animals also prepare for winter. Squirrels store nuts and acorns, bears hibernate, and birds migrate to warmer climates. Geese can fly up to 70 mph while migrating and can travel over 1,000 miles.
4. Halloween and Thanksgiving
Fall brings two favorite holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween is celebrated on October 31st with costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November with family gatherings, turkey dinners, and giving thanks.
5. Daylight savings time
During fall, we gain an extra hour of sleep. Daylight savings time ends on the first Sunday of November, when we set our clocks back one hour.
6. The science behind fall smells
The crisp air of fall is often accompanied by familiar scents, such as pumpkin spice, apple cider, and a bonfire. These smells activate the limbic system in our brain, which is responsible for emotion and memory. So, the scents of fall can evoke happy memories and feelings.
7. Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox, also known as the first day of fall, occurs on September 22nd or 23rd. During the equinox, day and night are equal in length. After the equinox, days become shorter and nights become longer until the Winter Solstice.
