Relative Speed of Dinosaurs

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In this activity, learners interpret three trackways and use measurements and a formula to infer the relative speed of dinosaurs. A portion of the activity details how students can create their own trackways and evaluate the accuracy of the formula. This step-by-step lesson plan includes an illustrated look at stride length and a reproducible worksheet for learners to complete.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • handout Walking, Trotting, or Running? (p4 of PDF) for each pair of students
  • metric ruler
  • stride length diagram

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth's History
      • Fossils
      • Dinosaurs
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
      • Rate
    • Reasoning and Proof
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Momentum and Velocity
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Physical Activity
  • Sports and Exercise

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Museum of Natural History, 2007