Ivy: Why are some of these trees losing their leaves, are they dying?
Posey: Of course not.
Ivy: OK, well the leaves must be coming off for a reason. If I owned these and was trying to keep them alive I would make sure they got a lot of water. But it just rained?
Posey: What else would you do?
Ivy: I'd make sure they were getting enough sun. But we're outside! Hmmm. Maybe it's the nutrients… But there's lots of space and plenty of soil…
Posey: Have you thought that possibly, maybe, they're not dying?
Ivy: Maybe the leaves fell off because someone scared the trees!
Posey: Ivy! It's Autumn. During Autumn, all the deciduous trees' leaves fall off. They're preparing for winter.
Ivy: Can't we just put coats on them if they're cold?
Posey: No. Because we're not always around to put coats on them. So they have to protect the more delicate parts of themselves: The trunk, the branches or the stem. But the leaves might get blown off or damaged in the bitter conditions.Ivy So they just have no clothes on during the winter! Awkward…
Posey: I don't think they're too worried about that. When spring comes along, the trees can grow buds and flower again and their leaves can grow back. Then, when summer is over and autumn comes around the corner, the whole thing happens again. When the leaves start to change colour from green to brown or red, you know they're going to fall off soon.
Ivy: So why do some plants stay green all year round? Do they not like to lose their leaves?
Posey: Evergreen trees don't lose their leaves. That's because they are made differently with a waxy coat. Their leaves can handle the cold, the harsh conditions and prevent water loss.
Ivy: Hmmm. Sorry you've lost your clothes. Don't worry. Apparently they grow back! See you in the spring, when you're wearing the new season.
Video summary
An entertaining overview outlining the differences between deciduous trees and evergreens, and their seasonal cycles, including budding and the loss of leaves.
This is from the series: Ivy's Plant shop.
Teacher Notes
You could get pupils to research how different plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways.
They could pick a plant in the school playground or at home and keep a journal; noting the changes they see throughout the year.
This film will be relevant for teaching Science/Biology at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 in England, Wales and Early and 1st and 2nd Level in Scotland.
Also at Foundation, KS1 and KS2 in Northern Ireland.
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