Discovering Dinosaurs

4th GradeScience20 min

Learning Objective

I can name different types of dinosaurs.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

11 min

Evolution of Dinosaurs in 10 Minutes

What If

Guided Notes

5 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • One theory suggests dinosaurs evolved from reptiles called archosaurs, which split into two groups: one leading to crocodiles, the other to dinosaurs.

  • During the Triassic period, the supercontinent Pangaea began to fragment, and early dinosaurs like the Eoraptor and celophysis emerged.

  • The Cretaceous Period saw the rise of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, but ended with an asteroid impact that wiped out 75% of Earth's species, though some avian dinosaurs survived and evolved into birds.

Practice

10 min

3 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Name three different types of dinosaurs that lived during the Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous periods.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts