Groundhog Day Lesson Plans

Sixth graders examine the relationship between light and the angle it strikes objects. In groups, they shine light from a flashlight on different objects and describe how it affects the shadow. To end the activity, they complete a worksheet and review the answers.

Ninth graders are given the opportunity to read an article and determine if it provides valid scientific evidence. The lesson also provides an opportunity for students to research and report on information provided regarding other topics.

Students experiment with the effects that various light and puppet positions have on shadows they make with their hands and arms. They work in pairs to trace their shadows and create puppets with the silhouettes. Afterward, they make scientific predictions about light and distance, test them, and evaluate the results.

Students analyze the reliability of scientific evidence.  In this scientific evidence lesson students complete a lab then research and report on the information they found. 

Students are introduced to acting terminology and methods by dissecting, blocking and marking a script. They utilize the script of Napoleon Dynamite to mark, dissect and block. Each student works with a partner to perform this task in class.

Students share weather and community information with other students across the continents. In groups, students collect details, pictures, and drawings about their community, its weather patterns, and school. They predict if groundhog is a good indicator of weather and write facts about the weather.