10 Autumn Science & Geography Facts with Activities for Primary Schools

Autumn is a season of change, making it an ideal time to connect science and geography. From analysing the weather to tracking animal behaviour, these ten autumn-themed facts and activities will add some autumnal flair to your EYFS, KS1 and KS2 lessons. 

Use the facts and activities as quick lesson starters in Science or Geography. Or, if you’re looking for a full lesson, we’ve linked some examples that can be found on the Developing Experts platform. A subscription to Science and Geography gives you complete access to all the links below!

1. Why do leaves change colour?

As daylight decreases, trees stop producing chlorophyll, revealing the reds, oranges and yellows we love.

Science link: Plants and seasonal changes.
Geography link: Explore how climate zones affect autumn colours around the world.
Activity: Take pupils on a leaf hunt. Sort leaves by colour and shape, or use a map to compare how trees look in different regions of the UK.

2. What happens to wild animals?

Many animals prepare for winter by storing food or hibernating. Hedgehogs hibernate; squirrels bury nuts.
Science link: Habitats and adaptation.
Geography link: Locate where hedgehogs and red squirrels are found in the UK.
Activity: Create a simple “animal migration map,” plotting where different species spend the winter.

3. How do day and night change?

Days grow shorter and nights longer as we approach the winter solstice.
Science link: Light and shadows.
Geography link: Introduce the concept of Earth’s tilt and the UK’s position relative to the equator. Our Year 2 Unit ‘The World’ contains a great introduction to the equator and different continents. 
Activity: KS2 pupils can record shadow lengths over several weeks, graphing their findings.

4. What is falling from the trees?

Trees release seeds such as conkers or helicopter seeds to spread and grow.
Science link: Seed dispersal.
Geography link: Discuss how wind patterns and landforms help seeds travel.
Activity: Compare seed types collected on a “nature hunt” and predict which will travel furthest.

5. Why is it getting colder?

As the sun’s angle lowers, the UK receives less heat energy.
Science link: Measuring temperature.
Geography link: Compare UK autumn temperatures with other latitudes.
Activity: Pupils can keep a class weather diary, using a thermometer to track daily changes.

6. What causes morning dew?

Water vapour condenses on cold surfaces, forming dew.
Science link: The water cycle.
Geography link: Link dew and frost to different landscapes (fields vs. cities). This Year 1 unit - ‘The United Kingdom’ - contains a great link to the different landscapes and features around the UK. 
Activity: Set up an early-morning “dew spotting” walk and record where it forms most.

7. Where are the birds?

Some birds migrate south to warmer climates.
Science link: Animal adaptation.
Geography link: Use maps to follow migration routes of swallows or Arctic terns.
Activity: KS2 pupils can create a world map showing key migration stopovers.

8. Why are there more mushrooms?

Fungi thrive in damp, decaying environments.
Science link: Decomposition and food chains.
Geography link: Explore woodland ecosystems and soil types that support fungi.
Activity: Make a “fungus fact file” using photos from a local walk or school grounds.

9. Why so many pumpkins?

Autumn is harvest time for crops like pumpkins, apples and potatoes.
Science link: Plants and growth.
Geography link: Explore farming regions of the UK and how soil and climate affect crops.
Activity: Hold a “harvest tasting” session with local produce and plot the farms on a map.

10. Why is it often windy?

Changing air pressure brings stronger winds.
Science link: Weather and forces.
Geography link: Compare UK autumn wind patterns to coastal and inland areas.
Activity: Pupils can build simple wind vanes to measure direction and speed over a week.