Objectives:

  • Research the heights, lengths, and weights of different dinosaurs.
  • Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements.
  • Represent data using tables and graphs such as line plots, bar graphs, and line graphs using spreadsheet.
  • Formulate questions using statistical information.

Key Words: height, length, weight, measurement

TimeLine: 2-4 class periods

Materials: The Dinosaur Who Lived in my Backyard, by B.G. Hennessy, plastic dinosaur models, Internet, worksheets, spreadsheet software (Excel) 

Procedures:

  1. Introduce the lesson by displaying sample dinosaurs models to the class.
  2. Discuss with students their observations of the different shapes and sizes of the dinosaurs. List these observations on the board.
  3. Ask the students whether these models accurately show the sizes of dinosaurs.
  4. Ask the students to predict how small or large dinosaurs were.
  5. Print and distribute to each student a copy of the Dinosaur Size Math Activity.
  6. Have the student complete the worksheet and discuss their results.
  7. Read the book The Dinosaur Who Lived in my Backyard by B.G. Hennessy, which compares the sizes of dinosaurs with everyday objects.
  8. Discuss with your students the comparisons made in the book.  Are these comparisons accurate?
  9. Inform the class that they will be researching the sizes of dinosaurs and creating graphs of their information.
  10. Give each student a copy of the data collection sheet.
  11. Inform the students that they must complete the collection sheet using the Dino Database.
  12. After the students have completed their data collection discuss the results.  What is the largest? What is the smallest?, Which is the heaviest?
  13. Have the students organized their data information into a graph using a spreadsheet.
  14. Distribute the spreadsheet worksheet. Review the instructions with the class.
  15. Print and display the completed graphs.

Assessment: Graph Rubric

Extension Activity:

Based on the book The Dinosaur Who Lived in my Backyard, have the students write word problems comparing modern-day objects or animals. Have students solve each others word problems.

Using chalk and a tape measure have the students trace the height and length of several dinosaurs in the school’s hard-court.

Suggested Web Links:

DinoDatabase.com
Contains detailed information on hundreds of dinosaurs and dinosaur related topics.

ZoomDinosaur.com 
Contains information and activities on dinosaurs.

When Dinosaurs Ruled The World