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How It Works:
When Dinosaurs Ruled the World is a thematic unit that explores the
prehistoric era when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.
Students trace the geological history of dinosaurs and unearth the
fossils that reveal their existence and identifies their characteristics in
order to better understand the evolution of life on Earth. Using new
technologies, students research and create new fossils representing the
evolution and extinction of these great creatures of the past. This unit
incorporates hands-on and project-based lessons to enhance student learning
and critical thinking skills.
Standards:
Language Arts:
Reads and listens to a variety of nonfiction/fiction materials
Develops an understanding of topics through literature
Social Science:
Understands what a timeline is
Arranges significant historical events on a timeline
Understands the difference between eras and periods
Math:
Applies appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements
Represents data using tables and graphs such as line plots, bar graphs, and
line graphs using spreadsheet
Formulates questions using statistical information
Science:
Researches the heights, lengths, and weights of different dinosaurs
Identifies the different characteristics of dinosaurs
Understands what a fossil is
Discovers how a dinosaur becomes a fossil
Constructs fossils in order to understand how they are formed
Explains what paleontology is
Discovers how a paleontologist digs up fossils
Discovers what tools a paleontologist uses
Understands the meaning of extinction
Investigates theories concerning the causes of dinosaur extinction
Technology:
Produces a document using appropriate desktop publishing program
Utilizes spreadsheets to organize collected data and create graphs
Selects and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a
variety of tasks
Selects and use a variety of web resources to gather appropriate data
Uses graphics programs for a variety of purposes including multimedia
Uses integrated software packages
Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
10 or more
Software Materials Used:
Selected reading literature, color printer, Internet, Desktop publishing
program, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Print Shop, art supplies, paper
goods, worksheets, and handouts.
Keywords:
herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, fossils, eras, periods, timeline,
Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic, paleontology, paleontologist, extinction,
height, length, weight, measurement
Students:
This project is designed for 3rd grade social studies students, but can be
modified for lower grades.
Overall:
The intent of this project is to provide an opportunity for students to
explore the past by walking step by step with prehistoric creatures that
dominated the landscape of the earth millions of years ago and gain an
appreciation for the scientific study of paleontology.
This unit takes the students on a wonderful adventure through time and
expands a student’s imagination for the many wonders that once inhabited the
Earth Through the use of new technologies; student can experience first-hand
life in prehistoric life. This
project integrates multimedia to both captivate and enhance the learning of
students. Students are engaged in
a variety of tasks that are collaborating, motivating, and meaningful.
Tips:
Create a checklist of all materials.
Bookmark all Internet sites.
Print and copy all handouts.
Prepare materials ahead of time.
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About the Teacher:
Morris Gil is in his 10th year in Miami Dade County Public
Schools. He is the Technology Resource Teacher at Fienberg Fisher Elementary.
He is responsible for all the technology training and management of the
school-wide network. He has been a Middle School Social Studies Teacher and
Team Leader. He has work in the
private sector as a Training Specialist in Educational Technology.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership/School
Administration. Mr. Gil is also the Parent
Trainer and School Site Coordinator for his school's Citibank FamilyTech
program.
Subjects:
Language Arts, Social Science, Math, Science
Grade Levels: 3rd
Email Morris
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