Dear all,
The leaves will start colouring yellow and red soon and it is the time to start with
Task 2 - Color Change of Leaves.
In this task, you will find instructions, how
to choose the leaves for your observations, how to track the color change and how to record the results of your observations.
I am looking forward to seeing pictures of your trees and leaves on this discussion forum!
I would also like to thank all those who registered for the collaboration group. You will receive information about your partner schools within a few days.
Enjoy the colorful autumn phenology activities!
Lenka
Task 2 – Color Change of Leaves
1) On a branch of your tree mark 4 leaves:
- Select a branch that is large, healthy, on the south edge of the tree and easily accessible and mark it with tape or ribbon.
- Always start from the end of the branch - choose the terminal leaf and mark the branch next to the leaf stem. (If possible, select the same leaves as in the spring)
- Locate the three other leaves on this branch closest to this terminal leaf and mark them the same way.
- Use permanent marker or tape
2) Observe the leaves twice a week:
- Start two weeks before the expected start of green down and continue until leaf color change has ended or leaves have dropped off.
- For each leaf report:
- the dominant color estimated using the GLOBE Plant Color Guide. If you don’t have the Guide, contact your country coordinator. For example, if leaf 1 appears colored at 60 percent 5G 7/12 and 40 percent 2.5 Y8/10, record the leaf color as 5G 7/12 for that observation date.
- “snow covered”, if the leaf is snow covered
- “fallen”, if the leaf has fallen
- To record your observation use GLOBE Green-Down Data Sheet.
- Share the date of the end of green down at the Discussion forum.
3) Track the color change
- At each visit, use GrowApp to take a picture of the observed leaves with the white paper in the background. See, how the color of leaves changes in your time-lapse animation
- Using crayons or water colors, create a palette of leaf colors that you can see at your branch day by day. You can also create a color palette following this learning activity.
- Share the animation and picture of your color palette at the Discussion forum.
4) Optional: Record temperature and precipitation
If you have an Atmosphere site nearby, keep recording temperature and precipitation data along with observing the leaves and see if there is any link.
And do not forget to continue taking pictures of the whole tree using GrowApp!
The task should be completed up to November 21.
