Plants and Light for more advanced scientists This activity will help your child explore the photosynthesis (how plants turn light into food). 1. Cut 3 paper shapes about 2 inches large. Circles and triangles work well, but you can use other shapes, too. 2. Clip these shapes with paper clips to 3 leaves of an indoor or an outdoor plant, being careful not to tear the leaves. 3. Keep 1 piece of paper on the leaf for 1 day, a second on for 2 days, and the third on for one week. 4. Watch to see what happens to the leaves. Do they change color? What effect does the lack of light have on them? What effect does the length of time the leaves are covered have on them? Note: Plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide (in the air) and water into food. More science activities: Bubbles for young children Creepy Crawlies! for beginning scientists Source: Helping Your Child Learn Science. For more information, please contact the National Library of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20208, telephone 1-800-424-1616.