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In this activity, learners explore the etymology of dinosaur names. Learners first discuss how dinosaurs are often named after a body part or behavior, where they were found, or a person (finder or famous). Learners also discuss Greek and Latin prefixes and suffixes that are commonly found in dinosaur names. Then, learners create a paper puzzle that generates new dinosaur names. This activity is featured on pp.20-27 (part of a lesson that begins on p.19) of the "Dinosphere" unit of study for grades 3-5.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 11
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- paper
- pencils
- scissors
- drawings of dinosaurs
- Dino Diaries (notebooks)
- Dino Word Strips (page 22)
- What's in a Dinosaur Name? skull worksheet (page 23)
- What's in a Dinosaur Name? chart (pp.103-104)
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Earth's History
- Archeology
- Fossils
- Dinosaurs
-
Earth's History
-
Life Sciences
-
Diversity of Life
- Animals
- Classification
-
Diversity of Life
Informal Categories
- Animals
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Dinosphere Exhibit Development Team, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis; Crosslin, Rick ; Fortney, Mary
Rights:
- All rights reserved, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 2004