Dinosaurs

Description

Nearly every young child is fascinated by dinosaurs, and this lesson introduces students to this incredible species that once roamed the Earth.  The lesson includes a variety of general information, including when and where they lived, and other common characteristics of dinosaurs.    Several relevant vocabulary terms are included with the lesson, such as extinct and evolution, the various eras when dinosaurs lived, and a wide variety of dinosaur types.  Types of dinosaurs are explored in depth, with some facts and illustrations about specific dinosaurs.  There is an abundance of web sites related to dinosaurs, as well as activities, resources, and more, and teachers are recommended to access the sites to enhance and/or expand the lesson.

Sample Classroom Procedure / Teacher Instruction 

1. Display the following and read aloud the list: Barney, Jurassic Park, Godzilla, The Wiggles, The Land Before Time, The Flintstones, Prehysteria.  Ask students:  What do the names and titles on the list have in common? (related to dinosaurs)
2. Allow for responses and discussion. Ask students to share everything they know about dinosaurs.  Ask them if they learned it from movies and shows or somewhere else.
3. Allow for responses and discussion. List several of their responses.  Ask students if they think all the information from the list is correct.  Why or why not?
4. Allow for responses and discussion. Introduce Dinosaurs.
5. Distribute Dinosaurs content pages. Read and review the information with the students.  Save the final question for the lesson closing.  Use the additional resources to enhance understanding.
6. Distribute Activity page. Read and review the instructions.  Distribute colored pencils and paper.  Encourage students to use their imaginations.  (It is suggested prior to the activity, students see examples of other dinosaurs, use coloring pages, etc.)
7. Once completed, each student shares their “new” special dinosaur with the class.
8. Distribute Practice page. Check and review the students’ responses.
9. Distribute the Homework pages. The next day, check and review the students’ responses.
10. In closing, ask students: If you could have lived as one of the dinosaurs, which one would it be and why?

Common Core State Standards: 

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.4

Class Sessions (45 minutes): At least 2 class sessions

Additional Resources: 

• http://www.kids-dinosaurs.com/ (includes images. Worksheets, coloring pages)
• http://discoverykids.com/category/dinosaurs/ (Interactive games, videos, and more)
• http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/dinosaurs.html
• http://pbskids.org/games/dinosaur/ (Interactive)

Want more science resources? Check out our other Science Lesson Plans!