Looking for Groundhog Day activities that are more than just an activity? This STEM / STEAM challenge will make you wonder why you ever though Groundhog Day wasn’t worth celebrating!
The basic premise:
In groups, students will create groundhog shadows, searching for the perfect combinations of light source angles, distances, and even groundhog accessories to meet the specified shadow criteria & constraints. Shadows will be traced and and turned into street art/graffiti. (Includes modifications, grades 2-8.)
Be sure to check out the preview to get a sense of your extension options!
Check out the video preview to see what is included in this resource (skip ahead to 6:32 to see what is included in the resource):
Note: If you are in a 1:1 classroom, you may prefer the
digital format, compatible with Google Slides ™.
Resource includes:
- NGSS aligned standards, Grades 2 – 8
- Teacher Tips:
- Links to my 5-part video series on getting started with STEM challenges
- Materials and timing
- Criteria & Constraints (including modifications to increase difficulty for older students)
- Measuring results
- Universal STEM Challenge Notes & How to Use Student Handouts
- Post-design extension activities list
- Link to a video walk-through of the challenge
- Student Handouts
- Two sizes of groundhog templates
- Two versions of editable data tables, including student-facing video instructions (~2 min. each) for both versions.
- Criteria and Constraints list (in color and B&W; editable versions provided)
- Design Analysis Handouts (in color and B&W in two versions: 4-page expanded room for response and 2-page condensed space version for older students; editable)
- Discussion Questions (editable; in color and B&W)
- Extension templates
- Process flow map
- Create & solve math problems based on designs
- Links to “clean” real-world graffiti examples
- Shadow Mysteries activities (editable)
- 3 Mini Shadow Challenges (could be done instead of the main activity; editable)
- 3 Mini Shadow Labs: students use the scientific method to isolate and test shadow-making variables (editable; comes with sample answer keys)
- Graffiti writing templates
Sample/suggested materials for each student or group:
(Materials you’ll need to do the activity are easily modified. You don’t need to provide all of the following materials. Select a subset and/or add in your own ideas.)
For each student or group:
- Light source (flashlights or the flashlight app, if students have cell phones)
- Paper for shadow tracing (use butcher paper, poster board, or copy paper)
- Groundhog cutouts (included)
- Construction paper
- Craft sticks/Pipe Cleaners (4 – 6)
- For groundhog template handles and optional accessories
- Masking tape (~12 – 24 in.)
- Measuring Tape / Yard stick
- Protractors (if measuring light source angles)
- Scissors
- Markers
This resource is also available in paperless format and as part of the Late Winter and the Mega STEM Challenge bundles. Click through below:
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