Objectives:
- Understand the meaning of extinction
- Investigate theories concerning the causes of
dinosaur extinction.
- Debate the theories on extinction of dinosaurs
Key Words: extinction
TimeLine: 2-3 class periods
Materials:
What Happened to the Dinosaurs?, Internet,
worksheet
Procedures:
- Begin the lesson by asking your students whether
they have ever seen a real dinosaur. How many dinosaurs exist today?
- Post the word “extinction” on the board. What does
it mean? Define the word.
- Explain to the students that the disappearance of
the dinosaurs is still a mystery today.
- Inform the students that there are several
theories as to the extinction of dinosaurs.
- Read the story
What Happened to the Dinosaurs? by Franklyn M. Branley or Why
Did the Dinosaurs Become Extinct?, by Marian B. Jacobs.
- After reading, discuss with the students if they
think some of the theories explored could be possible.
- Inform the students that they will be
participating in a classroom debate to help solve the mystery of the
dinosaur extinction.
- Divide the class into 4-5 groups.
- Assign each group one of the theories and provide
them a research worksheet.
- Explain to each group that they must be able to
explain their theory and provide “evidence” that supports their theory
correct.
- Give each group 1-2 class periods to research
their theory using the Internet and other reference materials.
- After all groups have completed their research.
Conduct a classroom debate of their findings.
- Inform the students that each group will present
their information first, followed by a class discussion of all theories.
Make sure to moderate the discussion to maintain students on-task.
- Have the class vote based on the information which
theory they feel best solves the mystery.
Assessment:
Debate rubric
Extension Activity:
Have the students create a “cause and effect”
graphic organizer explaining one of the theories of dinosaur extinction.
Suggested Web Links:
What
Happened to the Dinosaurs? What killed
the dinosaurs? Students can examine the evidence and put their theories to
the test.
Where
did the Dinosaur Go? Contains links to various sites that
explores the many theories of dinosaur extinction.
Dinosaur
Extinction
Enchanted Learning site on dinosaur extinction theory