Lesson 4: Looking for Dinosaurs
Students will practice reading and comprehension skills, as well as learn basic world geography skills.
OBJECTIVE
Language Arts: Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process. Geography: Understands the characteristics and uses of maps, globes, and other geographic tools and technologies.
MATERIALS
Looking for Dinosaurs Printable (PDF) , world map, scissors, pen/pencil, stapler
DIRECTIONS
- Show students pictures of dinosaurs. Ask students what these animals are called (dinosaurs).
- Next, ask students how we know so much about dinosaurs, even though they lived a long time ago. Explain to students that there are certain people whose job it is to learn about dinosaurs. These people are called paleontologists. This is a long, tough word for kids so be sure to write the word on the board. Then, as a class, break the word down into syllables to make it easier to pronounce: “pa•le•on•tol•o•gist.”
- Tell students that a paleontologist is a type of scientist who studies dinosaurs, especially their bones. Ask students if they know what dinosaur bones are often called (fossils).
- Using a world map, point out to students a few of the places where paleontologists are working. Point out East Asia and Southern Africa in particular. To provide context, show students where these places are in relation to where students live in the United States.
- Distribute the Looking for Dinosaurs (PDF). Explain to your students that the printable pages will form a short storybook about a paleontologist. Direct students to follow the instructions on the printable to put together their own version of the book. They can even color the pictures in the book!
- Once they have completed the book, instruct students to answer the questions at the top of the first page. Review the answers as a class. (Answers: 1. A paleontologist is a scientist who studies dinosaurs; 2. Egypt; 3. A Spinosaurus; 4. They went to a museum.)
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