Today's Classroom Activities :

Me and My Shadow

Wake Up, Mr. Groundhog
Art/Science/Social Studies Visit www.groundhog.org on February 2 to learn about the history of "Punxsutawney Phil" and Groundhog Day. Then draw a picture of a groundhog on brown construction paper, as though it is lying on its' back with outstretched arms and legs. Cut out your groundhog. Add facial features with a permanent marker. Fold the legs, arms and head in so that they lie flat over the body. Place water in a shallow dish and set the groundhog on top of the water, folded parts up. Watch carefully as the goundhog's arms, legs and head begin to unfold as he "wakes up." Can the students tell why this happens?

Graphing Groundhog Predictions
Students create a bulletin board graph illustrating Punxsutawney Phil's past predictions.

Today is Groundhog Day
Observe Groundhog Day in your classroom with your own shadow-watching activity.

A Shadow of Yourself
Students experiment with their shadows and the position of the Sun.