The Dino Files
Grade Level(s): K - 4Subject(s): Science, Math, English Language Arts, Art, Computer
Technology, MusicLearner Outcomes:
* Recognize various features and characteristics of dinosaurs
* Classify dinosaur characteristics
* Build children's abilities in reading and interpreting graphs
* Encourage the investigation of dinosaurs through fiction and
non-fiction
* Use the Internet as a research toolTime Frame: Three 45 minute sessions
Materials: Accelerated Reader Dinosaur books, pencils, construction
paper, crayons/colored pencils, scissors, Scott Foresman
Science video discTechnology Tools/Courseware: Internet, data projector,
CD Dinosaur Fact Finder, Kid Pix software, Accelerated Reader
program, video disc playerTeacher Notes: TAUP (Technology Acceptable User Plan)
Procedures:
* Introduce the lesson by using the interactive CD Dinosaur Fact
Finder program. Use a data projection device so the entire
class can view the program. Follow up with class discussion
on information presented.
* Have each student choose a favorite dinosaur to research.
* K - 1- 2 students can further explore dinosaur facts at
My Favorite Dinosaur. Follow the procedure outlined
to participate in an on-line survey of students' favorite
dinosaurs. Use information to graph their favorites.
* Third and Fourth graders can further research dinosaurs.
and participate in an Internet Scavenger Hun .
* Provide students a list of other sites to explore, such as:
The Natural History Museum - Dinosaur Data Files,
Welcome to Nomads Dinosaur , Dinosaurs
in Cyberspace: Dino Links, Children's Museum of
Indianapolis and Zoom Dinosaurs.
* As students conduct their research, they should compile
a list of facts/questions about their dinosaur. Using information
collected from their research, students will create a classification
table for chosen dinosaurs. The following information should be
considered:
Name/Meaning
Period of Time It Lived
Carnivore/Herbivore
Size/Weight/Height
Physical Characteristics
Picture
* This information can be used to create and illustrate a class book.
A neat idea is to make a Dinosaur Shape Book. Just enlarge the
Simple Dinosaur Print-outs .
* Use Kid Pix software to create a slide show which features the
researched dinosaurs along with student art work. View a sample
second grade slide show.Modifications:
* The teacher should modify the lesson as necessary to meet the
students' IEP.
* Adapt according to grade level.Enrichment Activities:
* Students independently read Accelerated Reader books about
dinosaurs. Upon completion of the books, computerized
comprehension tests will be taken.
* Read and Do Activities for The Dinosaur Who Lived In My
Backyard by B.J. Hennessy
* Art - Students may make dinosaur headbands or hats of their
choice.
* English Language Arts - Write riddles and jokes about dinosaurs
similar to those found at Discovery Room on-line and Zoom
Dinosaurs.
* Write reports on researched dinosaurs. Visit the site
" How to Write a Great Dinosaur Report."
* Math - The Dinosaurs in Math and Books segment in the
Changes Over Time (Scott Foresman Science) provides a
collection of stills using graphs to compare a dinosaur and some
living animals.
* Printable resources are available at Enchanted Learning .
Students work simple problems and use the code to
answer questions about dinosaurs.Evaluation/Assessment:
*Teacher Evaluation- Use questions complied by the students
to hold a "Dino Bee". Divide the class into two teams,
and have the teams line up on opposite sides of the classroom.
Ask questions, alternating sides and having students take
turns giving answers. If a student gives an incorrect answer, give
the next child on the opposite team a chance to answer
the question. If no one can answer a question, go on to the
next question. Instead of eliminating students who give wrong
answers, keep everyone in the game, and keep tally of correct
answers for each team to see which one wins.
*Self-Evaluation - Students can test their knowledge
about dinosaurs by using the following on-line activities:
concentration, flashcards, matching, and wordsearch.West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
* Math - K.28, K.29, 1.26, 2.26, 3.29, 3.31, 4.25
* Computer Technology - K.64, 1.28, 2.65, 3.49, 4.93
* Music - K.2, 1.5, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1
* Science - 2.21, 3.22, 4.26National Standards
References:
* Dinosaur Book List
* Accelerated Reader
* Dispelling Dinosaur Myths
* Scott Foresman Science
* Graphics by Kimmy's Border SetsComments:
Created By: Divide Elementary, Fayette County
Lisa Andrews, Kathy Flint, Cheryl SmailesDate Created: March 23, 1999
