White Trees During Winter

The trees appeared white from snow, fog, temperatures or precipitation. Scientists record patterns of the weather and precipitation across different times and areas so they can make predictions about what kind of weather might happen next.

Image

Pleasant Hill

Iowa Core Standard

3-ESS2-1

Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season

Driving Question

What causes the snow or frost to collect on the tree branches?

Probing Questions

What do you think makes the fogginess appear in the group of trees?
Why would this happen at certain times of the year? Certain seasons? Certain regions?
What do you think is the difference between the two photos? What could have been the reason for the change?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Use this to support their predictions about weather patterns and precipitation for a given area.
Record where this type of weather event happens based on location in certain regions, climates or seasons.
Find other similar weather-related types of phenomena that are similar to this.

Resources

PBS LearningMedia | But Why: A Podcast and Videos for Curious Kids: Weather: Learn about weather forecasting from two meteorologists.
PBS LearningMedia | Science Trek: Weather: This media gallery contains resources related to weather prediction, severe weather, and seasons.

Contributors

Submitted by Tiffany Filloon