10 Science Facts About Autumn

Autumn is a season of transformation, offering us lots of opportunities to link science with observations of what’s happening in nature. Whether you’re looking for ideas for a longer activity or just need some quick-fire facts, here are 10 autumn-themed science facts that will bring this season to life in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 science lessons! 

1. Why do leaves change colour? 

As daylight decreases, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment in their leaves. This reveals the beautiful reds, oranges and yellows that we associate with autumn. Did you know that due to certain pigments, some leaves even turn purple? In KS1, you can explore seasonal changes and encourage pupils to observe different types and colours of leaves. 

2. What happens to wild animals? 

Many animals prepare for winter in autumn by storing food or hibernating. Hedgehogs, for instance, enter a deep sleep, while squirrels gather nuts. A squirrel’s memory is so sharp that it can remember hundreds of hiding spots for its food! Link this to habitats and adaptation and encourage pupils to predict how different animals survive in the colder months. 

3. What happens to day and night? 

Autumn is when the days grow shorter, leading to less sunlight. KS2 pupils can investigate light and shadows, measuring how shadows change during the day and across the season. This will help them practise data-gathering and measurement skills.

4. What is falling from the trees? 

Many trees release seeds in autumn. The horse chestnut tree produces conkers, which fall and are spread by animals or the wind. Pupils can investigate different methods of seed dispersal, linking to KS2 plants and making predictions about which method works best. For EYFS or KS1 children, they can be challenged to go on a ‘nature hunt’ and collect items which have fallen to the ground to explore, filling up a paper bag as they do so.

5. Why is it getting colder? 

As autumn progresses, temperatures start to drop. Pupils can practise using thermometers to track daily temperature changes, setting up simple experiments to measure the difference over time, and discussing the effects of colder weather. Younger children can compare the different clothing they wear and consider the reasons we wear different clothing in the autumn and winter to the summer.

6. What causes dew outside? 

On cold autumn mornings, you’ll probably see droplets of dew on the grass outside. This happens when water vapour in the air condenses into liquid when it hits colder surfaces. KS2 pupils could link this observation to learning about the water cycle. We even have lessons which focus on the formation of rainbows and how you can make your own.

7. Where are the birds?

Some birds, such as swallows, migrate to warmer climates during autumn. This could lead to discussions about habitats and survival in KS2. Did you know that the Arctic tern holds the record for the longest migration - travelling over 40,000 miles from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back? Ask your pupils to predict why some birds migrate while others stay, using maps to track migratory patterns. 

8. Why are there more mushrooms outside? 

Autumn is mushroom season. Fungi thrive in damp, decaying environments, making it a perfect time to explore food chains and ecosystems. Shock your pupils by telling them that the largest living organism on Earth is actually a fungus in Oregon’s Malheur National Forest - it stretches over 2,385 acres underground! KS2 pupils can learn how fungi break down organic matter, linking to the topic of living things and their habitats. 

9. Why are there lots of pumpkins in the shops?

Autumn is harvest time for many seasonal fruits and vegetables in the UK, such as apples, pumpkins and potatoes. Emphasise that there are so many pumpkins in the supermarkets because they are ready to be harvested and eaten at this time of year. You could set up a classroom activity where pupils observe and taste different autumnal foods, linking this to KS1 and KS2 topics on plants and growth. 

10. Why is it often windy outside? 

Autumn often brings windier conditions as atmospheric pressure changes. Pupils could investigate the effects of wind by making simple wind vanes and measuring wind speed. This ties into KS2 learning about weather patterns, data collection and making observations. Younger children may also wish to explore why the air moves.