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General
In this lesson, students learn about Groundhog Day. They learn about the legend of the groundhog and his shadow, and make their own predictions about what they think will happen this year!
Standards
NGSS: K-ESS2-1, 1-PS4-3, 1-PS4-2, 1-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B
Learning objective
Students will be able to make predictions about groundhog day and count how many students in their class believe the groundhog will or won't see his shadow.
Introduction
Ask if students have ever heard of a groundhog and see what they know about the animal. Share some details about groundhogs and have students make observations about the groundhogs pictured. They may notice their teeth, their claws, their fur, or their ears. Explain that groundhogs hibernate in the winter and ask if students can name some other animals that also hibernate during this time. Watch the video to learn more about groundhogs and have students share one new fact they learned about groundhogs. What do they think is their most interesting characteristic?
Instruction
Introduce the holiday of Groundhog Day and explain the story of the groundhog's shadow and what it means. If the groundhog sees his shadow, there are 6 additional weeks of winter. If the groundhog doesn't see his shadow, then spring comes early! Explain that this is just a fun legend, and ask if they want the groundhog to see his shadow this year. There is a fun song included that students can sing along to. Next, students will predict what they think will happen. Will the groundhog see his shadow? Use the chart to keep track of what each student thinks will happen, and have students keep count by writing the numbers in the boxes.
Closing
Complete the maze to help the groundhog find his way around the underground burrow!
Teaching tips
Check out these other lessons in our library to dig deeper:
- Why do animals hibernate?
- Four Seasons
- How shadows change during the course of the day
- Light and shadows
- Spring
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About Gynzy
Gynzy is an online teaching platform for interactive whiteboards and displays in schools.
With a focus on elementary education, Gynzy’s Whiteboard, digital tools, and activities make it easy for teachers to save time building lessons, increase student engagement, and make classroom management more efficient.