Shadow Science Activity Groundhog Day

Make your own groundhog and learn about light and shadow with this fun family craft activity. Watch the video for materials and instructions.

Every February 2nd, a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow in search of his shadow. The view of his shadow predicts whether winter will be prolonged or cut short for an early spring.

Shadow is the absence of light. Light is a form of energy that travels in a straight line until it hits an object. If the object blocks the light from passing through it, that creates an area of darkness – a shadow- on the other side. The angle at which light strikes an object also affects the size and shape of its shadow. An object blocks more light when the light is at a lower angle (side-on), making long shadows; when the light source is at a higher angle (overhead), the shadows are shorter. You can see this for yourself using a flashlight and creating different types of shadows for your Groundhog.

Don't forget to name your Groundhog and share it with us!
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About Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day
One holiday that brings thousands of people together from all over the world to celebrate the prediction of a furry forecaster is Groundhog Day. What would you rather be doing in the middle of the night, in the middle of the winter in western PA? How about enjoying the ambiance of the brisk night air with thousands of new friends by your side, waiting for the Seer of Seers, Punxsutawney Phil, to make his prognostication sounds like a great thing to experience! Whether Groundhog Day has been on your bucket list for years or it is your birthday, or if you just would like a reason to celebrate — Groundhog Day is the event for you. Learn more at https://www.groundhog.org/legend-and-lore