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People have known for centuries that animals respond to changes in the weather. Some grow thicker fur in winter and shed in the summer. Some fly to the warmer south when cooler days arrive. Sea creatures react to changes in the ocean’s temperature by migrating. But only one animal—the noble groundhog—is said to predict the weather! Meet Punxsutawney Phil, who emerges from his snug winter burrow every February 2nd to check whether or not his shadow is visible. If it is, we’re in for more weeks of cold winter weather. No shadow? Spring is on its way! This fun American tradition is played out annually in Pennsylvania to much fanfare and public applause making Punxsutawney Phil the most famous—and popular—groundhog around. Make a groundhog of your own to conduct a shadow experiment in your backyard. What will happen this year?
In this issue students will:
- read informational text about Groundhog Day
- meet the world’s most famous groundhog
- make a groundhog weather detector
- learn about hibernation
- write a scientific conclusion
- follow visual steps to draw a cartoon character
- locate weather words is the newspaper
- match images to shadows
- write about signs of spring in your community
7 page PDF
