I periodically share phenomenon (observable natural occurrences). I passed by this tree during one of my recent neighborhood walks. I wondered how and why the bark was red? What do you think? The diversity we see in nature is such a gift!

A red twig dogwood adds color to a winter landscape. Cuttings are ideal for placing in your winter outdoor pots or indoor in jars. They can be easily propagated too. Branches will be more vivid in winter months when the leaves drop. Why? Also, younger branches have brighter color, so pruning is necessary for the best color.

Click here to view full screen. Make a Valentine planter!

Use phenomenon with your children or students to develop critical thinking skills including observation, questioning, analysis and problem solving. Some past examples follow:

Why is lichen on one side of the tree? Click here.

Why did leaves fall off one side of the tree before the other? Click here.

Why did leaves fall off of the top of the tree first? Click here.

Why are the mushrooms growing in a circle? Click here.

Why do shells have holes in them? Click here.

Why does this tree have twisty branches? Click here.

Why didn’t these leaves fall off the tree during fall? Click here.

Why do some trees lean? Click here.

Here is one more that I observed on a recent walk. What do you notice? What do you wonder?