Knots (wood)

Have you ever noticed how some pieces of wood have these gnarly, bumpy parts that stick out? Those are called knots!

Knots happen when a branch or twig grows out of the trunk of a tree. When the tree keeps growing, the branch or twig might break off or get cut off, but it leaves behind a little bump where it used to be.

Sometimes, knots can be really strong and make the wood even stronger! That's because when the tree grows around a knot, it creates a sort of "lock" around it that helps hold the wood together.

Other times, knots can be a bit of a problem. If you're trying to build something out of wood and you accidentally hit a knot with your hammer, it can cause the wood to split or crack.

But either way, knots add character to the wood and make it look unique and interesting!