SUPER 3 DINOSAURS:
A collaborative lesson
nd
between 2 grade teachers
and media specialist
After conducting several searches for possible Super3 lesson plans, I found many with a dinosaur theme. My teaching experience has
been with younger children – preschool to third grade and typically boys. Most young children (especially boys) typically like dinosaurs, so I
adapted many ideas from the lesson plans already developed to create my own. I geared my lesson plan towards second grade, because
this was the last grade I taught.
This lesson covers state standards:
STATE GOAL 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.
A. Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and structure.
B. Compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific purposes and audiences.
STATE GOAL 5: Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information.
A. Locate, organize, and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideas
B. Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources
C. Locate, organize, and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideas
STATE GOAL 12: Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.
A. Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment.
Objectives
The students will
•begin understanding library systems with guidance
•organize information found by filling out note cards and dinosaur information sheet
•students will use the factual research they have done on a specific dinosaur to create a 5 paragraph expository paper about that dinosaur
• implement the use of technology and the writing process throughout the unit
•will make a dino-trading card using KidPix during technology time in the computer lab
The 2nd grade teachers and the media specialist will work collaboratively on this project. The 2 nd grade teachers will introduce this unit by
reading the letter from Aunt Dino Sor. The librarian will help the students learn how to use the materials in the library to conduct research.
The librarian will also share books with a dinosaur theme. The teachers will help the students organize their notes and write their papers.
The art project will be done at home.
Literature:
If the Dinosaur's Came Back by Bernard Most
Fossils Tell of Long Ago- Aliki
The Book of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life- Carol Bloch
The How and Why Wonder Book of Dinosaurs- Darlene Geis
Objectives
• To learn about a dinosaur
• To write a 5 paragraph research paper (done
at school)
• To create a dino-habitat based on research
(done at home)
• To evaluate own work using rubric
• To implement the use of technology and the
writing process throughout the unit
Dear 2nd graders,
I have to leave on a trip and I need someone to look after my pet
dinosaurs. I've put each dinosaur in its own cage for safe keeping, but they
will need a home very soon. They would be happier in their own habitat so I
need you to design a Dinosaur Zoo for them.
Do you remember the last time that we visited? You told me that you
were studying about dinosaurs at school. Please ask your teacher if your
class can help you find information about each of my dinosaurs. I've got
quite a collection of these critters, so if everyone could learn about just
one dinosaur, you could get the job done more quickly.
The construction crew will begin work as soon as you've
completed the plans. Please hurry, the sooner we can put
my pets in their own habitat, the healthier and happier
they will be. I'll see you in a few days.
Love,
Aunt Dinah Sor
Before I start…
I PLAN
1. What am I supposed to do?
2. Where should I look for
information?
3. What does a good job look
like?
Planasaurus defines the problem and
decides what he needs to know and do when
he finishes. He decides where to look to find
the information he needs and what a good
job looks like when he is done.
http://big6.com/presentations/super3dinos/index.php
The Task
• You will learn about one dinosaur and the time
period in which it lived.
• Using the data/information that you have
gathered about your dinosaur, you will write a 5
paragraph research paper about your dinosaur.
• You will choose one medium to create a dinosaur
habitat/zoo. You can make a diorama, a papiermâché model, or painting (it is your choice) to
display your dinosaur and it’s habitat.
Doasaurus reads,
listens, looks, touches,
tastes, or smells for the
information and takes
out the information
needed to complete
the task.
As I work,
I THINK about…..
1. Are my notes accurate and
complete?
2. Have I written a good
paragraph?
3. Does my project have the
information it needs?
http://big6.com/presentations/super3dinos/index.php
Dinosaur Information Worksheet
Student Name: ___________________________
Fill in the information in the spaces below.)
My questions
What is the dinosaur’s
name?
What does the name
mean?
How long is the
dinosaur?
Does the dinosaur eat
plants, meat, or both
plants and meat?
Describe the
dinosaur’s teeth.
How did the dinosaur
walk/fly?
What is one
interesting fact about
the dinosaur?
Source(include pg
numbers)
Information I found
Dinosaur Trading Cards
Now it's time to create your Dinosaur Trading Cards that the museum will be handing
out to the children who visit the new Dinosaur Exhibit.
We'll be using a template already created in KidPix. It is in your student folder.
Using the Fill tool in KidPix, color your dinosaur as close to the way they really looked.
Using the ABC Text Tool, enter your information about your dinosaur from your
Dinosaur Research Sheet.
Here's what your Dinosaur Trading Card might look like:
Sources:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Books found in school library
Books found in public library
Internet
Magazines
Encyclopedia
Video/DVD
http://www.kidsdinos.com/
Dino Art
Paper Mache Model
Dinorama
Dinosaur landscape with paper Mache and paint.
When I am
finished…
I REVIEW
1. What new skill did I learn that I can
use again?
2. What did I enjoy or hate about the
assignment?
3. What grade would I give myself?
http://big6.com/presentations/super3dinos/index.php
Reviewasaurus
judges the results.
Research Report : Dinosaur Research
Name:_________________________
CATEGORY
Organization
Amount of
Information
4
Information is very
organized with wellconstructed paragraphs.
3
Information is organized
with well-constructed
paragraphs.
2
1
Information is organized, The information appears
but paragraphs are not to be disorganized.
well-constructed.
All topics are addressed All topics are addressed All topics are addressed,
and all questions
and most questions
and some questions
answered.
answered.
answered.
Quality of Information Information clearly relates Information mainly relates Information sometimes
to the main topic.
to the main topic.
relates to the main topic.
Sources
Mechanics
Appearance
Effort
One or more topics were
not addressed.
Information has little or
nothing to do with the
main topic.
None of the sources is
accurately documented.
All sources (information Most sources (information Some sources
and graphics) are
and graphics) are
(information and
accurately documented in accurately documented in graphics) are accurately
the desired format.
the desired format.
documented in the
desired format.
No grammatical, spelling Almost no grammatical, A few grammatical
Many grammatical,
or punctuation errors.
spelling or punctuation
spelling, or punctuation spelling, or punctuation
errors
errors.
errors.
Report is neat and meets Report is neat and meets Report is neat and meets Report only meets 1 of
the following criteria: size 3 of the 4 criteria: size 14 2 of the 4 criteria: size 14 the 4 criteria: size 14 font,
14 font, manuscript font font, manuscript font
font, manuscript font
manuscript font style.
style. Report title is center style. Report title is center style. Report title is center Report title is center
aligned. Paragraphs are aligned. Paragraphs are aligned. Paragraphs are aligned. Paragraphs are
left aligned.
left aligned.
left aligned.
left aligned.
Student consistently used Student mostly used
Student sometimes used Student rarely used class
available class time
available class time
class time without
time without prompting
without prompting.
without prompting.
prompting.
Each student will need to use several sources to gain information about their chosen dinosaur. A variety of
books and websites will be made available in class for student use, but they will not be taken home. You will
need to find other sources to complete your report. We will be working together here to gather as much
information as possible, but help from home will be appreciated!
In addition to information gathering and note-taking, students will create an art project rendering of their
chosen dinosaur and habitat. Because we have not yet discussed the prehistoric eras, some students will not
yet be able to begin this portion of the project. At home, however, families can start getting students excited
and interested in the various ways they can complete this portion of the report. I will send home more
information as we learn more!
We will talk about the final report format in class.
What is my project timeline?
1. Reading information and note taking.
Date Due ________________
2. 3-D Art: Students will need to create an art project of their dinosaur and habitat. When complete, it should
demonstrate creative thinking, strong effort, and good craftsmanship. Examples of projects may include (but are not
limited to): mobile, diorama, model, or sculpture. Material examples may include: paper maché, styrofoam, wood,
foam-core board or cardboard, self-hardening clay or salt dough (not play-dough), plaster, paint, etc. The final piece
should have neat, clearly visible labels as needed. It should also include the student’s name and title of project.
To be brought into class ___________
3. Neat/Final Copy: Will be done in class.