UKS2 Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Block I: Dinosaur Extinction
Learn about the climate, vegetation and living things of the late Cretaceous period. Research the main
dinosaur extinction theories; plan and argue the case for each theory in a class debate. Finally compose
a soundtrack for life after the extinction event, ready to play to guests in a darkened, atmospheric
space.
Block I: Dinosaur
Main outcome: Science
Extinction
Other outcomes: English, Music and Computing
[4 sessions]
By the end of this block
you will have achieved
the following outcomes:


Research the timeline of events at the end of the Mesozoic Era.
Discuss what it would have been like to live in the late Cretaceous period and build
up a picture of the climate, vegetation and living things.
 Identify and discuss the variety of extinction theories (asteroid impact, climate
change, moving of the tectonic plates, disease).
 Research effectively and compile a list under ‘For’ and ‘Against’ for different
extinction theories.
 Refine and analyse the arguments (‘for’ and ‘against’) for each extinction theory.
 Plan and engage in a debate, each group arguing the case for their extinction theory;
they can vote for the most plausible theory.
 Review extinction theories and outcome of debate.
 Compose and record soundtrack for life after the extinction event, including the
soundtrack for the surviving living things, and play to guests through headphones in a
darkened space designed to concentrate the senses/imagination on the sounds.
Children will:
 Recognise that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth
millions of years ago.
 Recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally
offspring vary and are not identical to their parent.
 Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different
ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
Session 1: Science
The End of an Era
After researching the
timeline of the end of
the Mesozoic Era, gain
an understanding of the
climate, vegetation and
living things of the late
Cretaceous period.
Children will:
Session 2: Science
 Recognise that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth
Delving Deeper
millions of years ago.
Research the variety of

Recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally
extinction theories and
offspring vary and are not identical to their parent.
consider arguments for
 Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different
and against each theory.
Session 3: Science and
English
Dino Debate
Plan and argue the case
for each extinction
theory in a class debate
before voting for the
most plausible.
ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
Children will:
 Develop wider skills in spoken language.
 Extend confidence, enjoyment and mastery of language though public speaking,
performance and debate.
 Recognise that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth
millions of years ago.
 Recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally
offspring vary and are not identical to their parent.
 Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different
ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
UKS2 Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Block I: Dinosaur Extinction
Session 4: Science,
Music and Computing
Extinction Music in the
Dark
After reviewing the
different extinction
theories, compose a
class soundtrack for life
after the extinction
event. Play to guests in
a darkened,
atmospheric space.
Children will:
 Recognise that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth
millions of years ago.
 Recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally
offspring vary and are not identical to their parent.
 Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different
ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
 Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.
 Select, use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to design
and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals.
Resources
Session 1
Provided: Cretaceous facts.
You will need: Large strips of paper (wall paper, for example); Felt tips; Paints; Pencils; Scissors;
Internet and printer.
Session 2
Provided: Picture resources; Evidence templates.
You will need: Strips of card; Internet access.
Session 3
Provided: Extinction pictures; Dino-Debate tips.
You will need: Large sheets of paper; Thick pens.
Session 4
Provided: How to use Audacity.
You will need: Large black sheet; Small play tent or camping toilet tent; Headphones and laptop;
Recording equipment (ipad, tablet, audio recording software (Audacity).
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.