When Dinosaurs Ruled The World
 

 

 

 

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:

  1. Begin the lesson by asking your students whether they have ever seen a real dinosaur. How many dinosaurs exist today?
  2. Post the word “extinction” on the board. What does it mean? Define the word.
  3. Explain to the students that the disappearance of the dinosaurs is still a mystery today.
  4. Inform the students that there are several theories as to the extinction of dinosaurs.
  5. Read the story What Happened to the Dinosaurs? by Franklyn M. Branley or Why Did the Dinosaurs Become Extinct?, by Marian B. Jacobs.
  6. After reading, discuss with the students if they think some of the theories explored could be possible.
  7. Inform the students that they will be participating in a classroom debate to help solve the mystery of the dinosaur extinction.
  8. Divide the class into 4-5 groups.
  9. Assign each group one of the theories and provide them a research worksheet.
  10. Explain to each group that they must be able to explain their theory and provide “evidence” that supports their theory correct.
  11. Give each group 1-2 class periods to research their theory using the Internet and other reference materials.
  12. After all groups have completed their research.  Conduct a classroom debate of their findings.
  13. 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.
  14. 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