White Trees During Winter

The trees appeared white from snow, fog, temperatures or precipitation causes. 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. 

Driving Question

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

Probing Questions

• Why might the snow collect on the branches instead of falling off?
• 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.

Relevant Related Resources

Where Do Clouds Come From | Mystery Science: Students investigate clouds, how they are made and how they form.
Predicting Storms | Mystery Science: Students make predictions about weather and when a storm might be predicted, and identify types of clouds.​​​​​​​
Best Place for a Snow Fort | Mystery Science: Students explore different weather conditions found in different regions.