Where to Find Great Activities for your Students and Children
February 2nd - otherwise known as Groundhog Day - is the day when the groundhog (or woodchuck) comes out of his hole after a long winter's snooze. As the story goes, the woodchuck looks for his shadow upon emerging from the ground ... if he sees it, we are in for six more weeks of cold winter days. If he doesn't ... spring is fast approaching.
Whether or not the groundhog's predictions hold true in real terms isn't really an issue. Although there really is no statistical data to support the tradition, Groundhog Day is still a very big deal in North America where it was introduced by early settlers from Europe (where it is believed in some parts that bears or badgers behave in the same way.) In truth, most woodchucks do not come out of hibernation until March, or even later ...
However, the day provides fodder for the classroom in terms of connecting the curriculum areas.
Here for you now is a list of fun and informative Groundhog Day web sites to help you plan some exciting lessons for your K-6 students.
Official Groundhog Day Web Site
...For Canada
The Groundhog Central Gazette
This is the Official World Wide Web Home of Wiarton Willie -- Canada's Leading Weather Prognosticator since 1956.
...For USA
Punxsutawney Phil
This is the Official World Wide Web Home of Punxsutawney Phil -- Pennsylvania's Furry Weather Forecaster
History
All about Wiarton Willie
Find out all about Willie and his outstanding career as a weather forecaster, check out last year's prediction and learn a bit about the legend of Groundhog Day.
Project Groundhog Project Groundhog is a project designed to introduce young learners to the possibilities of telecommunications technology through a meaningful, curriculum based inquiry. It is supported by STEMNet, The Public Libraries of Newfoundland and Labrador and SchoolNet Grass Roots. It is available to students and teachers throughout the world.
Art
Here's A Little Groundhog
From Project Groundhog, a poem and coloring page for you to print out and distribute to the younger grades.
Language Arts
Groundhog Poems and Rhymes
From Project Groundhog, poems, songs and rhymes including: Fun on Groundhog Day, Mr. Groundhog's Shadow, My Shadow and Here's a Little Groundhog.
Science & Nature
Groundhog Day Facts and Factoids
From the Cornell Chronicle, find out the difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck. How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? According to this page, about 700 pounds or so...
Hinterland Who's Who - Woodchuck
From Environment Canada, complete information about our furry friend Marmota Monax -- also known as ... the groundhog.
Just for Fun
Hogtivities
A complete Groundhog Day Celebration including games like Hot Dog, Toss the Hog, Spring or Snow, Groundhog Bingo, and three sing-along songs. Written and compiled by the faculty and staff of West End Elementary School, Punxsutawney, PA
More Great Ideas Online
Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney PA
Are you looking for fun facts? How about legends and lore? Stop by this site which has been created by Garen Smith, Punxsutawney High School Class of 1965.
Groundhog Day History
Stormfax Almanac has a treat for those who would like to know how often the groundhog sees his shadow and how often he misses it. Here you can see the year by year results from the 1887 to today.
Groundhog Day
If you go to this site and scroll down to the bottom, you will find some fun activities your students can try. All in the name of Groundhog Day.
Celebration
Looking for a reason to celebrate Groundhog Day? I thought so, which is why I've included this site. Includes 10 reasons to celebrate and songs you will want to sing forever. Or something like that.
Come to the Groundhog Day Party!
From Education World, we have oodles of ideas. As they say, "Celebrate Groundhog Day with a bunch of activities, some Internet exploration, and a variety of groundhog games! Fun for all ages! Included: Three Internet teaching masters!" It's good stuff.
KinderArt® Stuff for Teachers
Whether or not the groundhog's predictions hold true in real terms isn't really an issue. Although there really is no statistical data to support the tradition, Groundhog Day is still a very big deal in North America where it was introduced by early settlers from Europe (where it is believed in some parts that bears or badgers behave in the same way.) In truth, most woodchucks do not come out of hibernation until March, or even later ...
