Lesson Plan - Dino Mysteries

Watch a Video: When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth

Discuss: What are some interesting facts about dinosaurs shared in the video? How do you think scientists know these things?

Preview Words to Know

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• paleontologists
• fossils

Set a Purpose for Reading

As students read, have them label each dinosaur as living in the air, on the land, or in the sea.

1. In what way do scientists think Spinosaurus may have been similar to a penguin?
Because Spinosaurus had bones similar to a penguin’s, scientists think it may have been able to swim and hunt underwater, like a penguin can.
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2. What do many scientists think ankylosaurs used their tails for?
Many scientists think ankylosaurs may have used their tails to fight other ankylosaurs. They may have done this to protect their territory.
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3. Based on the article, what are some tasks a paleontologist might do?
The article shows that a paleontologist might study fossils and look at the bones and behavior of living animals to try to understand traits of animals that no longer exist.
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FEATURED SKILL: Word Analysis

Use the Skill Builder “What’s in a Name?” to have students explore some of the Greek and Latin roots of dinosaur names.

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