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:

PRINTABLE MEGA BUNDLE

If you prefer to purchase on TPT, click here. 

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