By

Sally Scott, Wausaukee School

Connie Chambers, Crivitz School

Mitch Taylor, Mountain School

 

Introduction 

Modern paleontologists have discovered that dinosaurs are not extinct. They are alive and well in the cities, forests, and waters of America. Modern dinosaurs have some of the same characteristics as their ancient predecessors. But they have evolved some new traits to help them cope with changing habitats.

 

 

Task

Your team of assistant paleontologists must review characteristics of ancient dinosaurs that helped them survive for millions of years. Then your team must help the head museum curator identify and make a model of a new species. This new dinosaur has many old characteristics as well as new traits to help it survive in the 21st century.

 

 

Process

  1. Click here to print the official paleontologist badge.
  2. Read below in the resource section about dinosaur habitats and characteristics.
  3. Work with teammates to create a new dinosaur.
  4. Click here to print out a worksheet.
  5. Work with your team and complete the worksheet, selecting the features for your new dinosaur.
  6. Write a story describing the 3 old characteristics and 3 modern adaptations that you have chosen. Be sure to tell how your dinosaur survives in its environment.
  7. Work with your team to make a model of your dinosaur. Build a diorama with objects from your dinosaur's habitat to place in a classroom museum.
  8. You will be scored on individual and group efforts using the following rubric.

 

 Resources

 Habitats for your dinosaur. Click on a word to see more habitats.

City

Forest

Ocean

   

 

Dinosaur Diets 

 

 

Plant

Eaters

 

 

Meat

Eaters

 

Dinosaurs have special features to help defend themselves.

Horns and Spikes

Plates

Frills

 

 Dinosaurs moved in different ways.

 Walk –4 Legs

Swim

Run – 2 Legs

Fly

 

 Sites for Teachers

 

 abcteach

 ZoomDinosaur

 DinoFun

  

 

Standards

Click to view standards

 

 

WebQuest manufactured by:

 Mitch Taylor

 Connie Chambers

 Sally Scott

 Mountain Elementary School

 Crivitz School

 Wausaukee School District

 taylmi@suring.k12.wi.us

 chambers@crivitz.k12.wi.us

 scott@wausaukee.k12.wi.us