Introduction
LET'S GET DIGGING!
In this lesson, students will learn the ins and outs of PALEONTOLOGY! They will look at different things that Paleontologist have to do and the things they find out about the history of life on earth! Before you move on to the task section, watch the short video below to introduce you into the world of Paleontology.
Task
Students will look at the different types of dinosaurs discovered by Paleontologist and make a comparative chart between dinosaurs of the past and animals today. They will then present their posters to the class and explain what animals are most similar and why.
Process
PART 1
The first step in studying dinosaurs is realizing that there are different TYPES of dinosaurs. One would think they are all just big lizards that look different, but that's not right! Dinosaurs can be classified into different groups based on the way they're bodies are made. Look at the following sites and study which dinosaur belongs where. Put each dinosaur you discover into one of these "GROUPS" on the worksheet we handed out. Then write the reason they are in that group. Use the following websites to help you out:
https://www.kids-dinosaurs.com/different-types-of-dinosaurs.html
https://www.activewild.com/types-of-dinosaurs/
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/dinosaurs/types.html
PART 2
- For this section use the MAP HANDOUT and COLOR PENCILS color coordinating different TYPES of Dinosaurs significant to location.
In this section research where most of the fossils that have been located so far have been found. Once you record where a lot of the fossils have been found, record what animals are common to that area in present day. Record all of the data on the worksheets that we handed out. Use the following sites to help you:
https://www.livescience.com/32816-where-are-the-best-places-to-find-dinosaur-fossils.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4279612/Interactive-map-dinosaur-fossil-Earth.html
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/exhibits/backyard-dinosaurs/finding-fossils.cfm
- Once you have recorded where the dinosaurs have been found, google which present-day animals are native to that area. Can you find any connection between the dinosaurs and the animals that are still living? Record all of your findings on the final poster board project.
Evaluation
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Beginning 1 |
Developing 2 |
Accomplished 3 |
Exemplary 4 |
Score
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| Worksheet Completion |
No Progress shown on worksheet |
Worksheet partially filled out with no substantial information |
Worksheet fully filled out, but could use more detailed output |
Worksheet fully filled out and adequately gets the message across |
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| Poster Board | Minimal effort put forth. No real organization or design | Partial effort. Minimal design effort but some quality information | Good design and quality effort but lacks infomation | Quality design and very informative. Obvious effort put forth on completion | |||||
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Presentation (Speech) |
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Conclusion
After all your research, now is your opportunity to think of reasons why dinosaurs aren't around any more. You will write a well-organized, well-supported paragraph stating your thoughts. Be sure to include a topic sentence, supporting details, and a conclusion. Use all of the info you learned in this assignment.
Teacher Page
by Michael Collins
Students research paleontology and its relationship to dinosaurs. They will create a poster of their findings showing which animals they believe to be related to the extinct dinosaurs.
Teacher Introduction
This webquest is geared toward the study of dinosaurs and paleontology. It is intended for 6th grade students and any other students who are studying earth science. It hits on several standards including research and speaking.