Details

The Science Behind It

Suncatchers like this one are a great way to explore how light interacts with objects. The transparent contact paper allows light to pass through, illuminating the colors of the leaves and creating a beautiful effect as sunlight shines through. Leaves themselves are fascinating because they capture energy from sunlight through photosynthesis, which is how plants make their food. Creating a suncatcher with real or artificial leaves lets children observe the leaves’ shape and color up close, while also engaging with the seasonal changes happening in nature.

Have a Chat

Here are some things you can chat about while making your suncatchers:

• What colors do you see in the leaves? Why do you think leaves change colors in the fall?
• What happens when the sunlight shines through the suncatcher? Can you see the colors of the leaves better in the light?
• What other things do we see in nature during autumn? What animals do you think are getting ready for winter?
• How could you make your suncatcher more colorful? What other materials could you use to decorate it?
• What do you notice about the trees outside in fall? How do they look different from spring or summer?

Educational Value

• Fine Motor Skills Arranging and pressing the leaves, cutting contact paper, and tying a ribbon help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Color Recognition Children get to explore the vibrant colors of autumn leaves, learning about the different shades of red, orange, yellow, and green.
• Light and Color Kids will learn how light interacts with different materials, noticing how the leaves change when sunlight passes through them.
• Nature Awareness This craft encourages children to observe and appreciate the natural world by collecting real leaves, understanding how they change during fall, and how they contribute to the environment.

Variations

• Use colored tissue paper, pressed flowers, or even small pieces of fabric for a different texture in your suncatcher.
• Create a themed suncatcher by using specific colors or types of leaves, such as using only red leaves or leaves from a particular tree.
• Make a series of suncatchers with different designs and hang them in a row to create a fall “window garden.”