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