Student Article

The Origins and Meaning of Groundhog Day

By: Stuart Blackman

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Originally Published in HistoryExtra

Explore the history and significance of Groundhog Day and how a groundhog predicts the weather.

The article "The Origins and Meaning of Groundhog Day" from BBC's Discover Wildlife explains the history and significance of Groundhog Day. It discusses how the tradition started, its roots in European festivals, and the role of Punxsutawney Phil in predicting the weather.

Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Student Article Info

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Topic:

Grades:

Subject:

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Keywords

Groundhog Day tradition weather prediction Punxsutawney Phil hibernation European festivals

Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Student Article Info

Grades:

Subject:

Topic:

Grades:

Subject:

Topic:

Keywords

Groundhog Day tradition weather prediction Punxsutawney Phil hibernation European festivals

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

Level 1 Reading Passage

Grades: 3-5, Lexile Level: 400-600L

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Level 2 Reading Passage

Grades: 6-8, Lexile Level: 700-900L

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Level 3 Reading Passage

Grades: 9-12, Lexile Level: 1000-1200L

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