Dinosaur Discovery: Everything You Need to Be a Paleontologist
What’s inside...
Dinosaurs like you've never seen them before-in a book packed with more than 25 hands-on experiments. What do dinosaurs look like from the inside out? Take a journey with renowned paleontologist Chris McGowan as he examines species from Allosaurus to T. Rex! Along with each creature are experiments that kids can do on their own to make sedimentary rock, replicate a fossil, and uncover how we know what we know about dinosaurs, even though they've been extinct for millions of years. More than twenty-five hands-on experiments include Breaking Bones, which uses chicken bones to see how fossils were preserved; creating a replica of a feathered Archaeopteryx fossil; and using a turkey neck to dissect a Brachiosaurus' bone structure. You'll be a paleontologist in no time!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to be a paleontologist and discover dinosaur bones?
Which dinosaur featured in the book did you find the most interesting, and why?
How do you think paleontologists figure out what dinosaurs looked like just from their fossils?
If you could create your own dinosaur, what would it look like, and what would you name it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their responses and encourage them to elaborate by asking follow-up questions.
Relate the discussion to their everyday experiences, like discovering something new in the garden or park.
Use visuals from the book during your conversation to make connections between text and illustrations.
Praise their creativity when they imagine their own dinosaur, fostering a sense of confidence and enthusiasm.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book encourages young readers to dive into the world of paleontology, exploring the lives of dinosaurs and the methods scientists use to learn about the past.
Real-World Application: Children learn to question their surroundings and seek knowledge, which can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: As children learn about the meticulous process of digging and studying fossils, they see the importance of paying close attention to small details.
Real-World Application: This skill is applicable in academic settings, like during science projects or math problems, where precision is crucial.
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: Paleontology often requires long hours of careful work. The book showcases how persistence in these activities can lead to exciting discoveries.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this when taking on challenging tasks, understanding that perseverance can lead to rewarding outcomes.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature and Science
Explanation: The book highlights how paleontologists must respect the Earth and its history to properly conduct their work.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting the environment and contributing to its preservation, whether through recycling or participating in clean-up drives.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Different characters in the book work together to uncover fossils, showing how teamwork can lead to success in scientific endeavors.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperative effort in school projects or team sports, emphasizing that collective work can achieve greater results.