Dino Dig: Unearthing the Past
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as paleontologists, uncover the mysteries of dinosaurs and their world by studying their bones?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is a dinosaur?
- What did dinosaurs eat?
- How do we know about dinosaurs if they lived a long time ago?
- How are dinosaur bones different sizes and shapes?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Identify different types of dinosaurs
- Differentiate between types of dinosaurs
- Sort fossils based on characteristics
- Draw dinosaur skeletons
- Tell stories about dinosaurs
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsDinosaur Footprint Discovery
Students discover giant dinosaur footprints leading into the classroom, sparking curiosity and initiating discussion about what kind of creature could have made them.Time Traveler's Luggage
A mysterious suitcase appears in the classroom, filled with 'artifacts' from the Mesozoic Era (toy dinosaurs, fossil replicas, a paleontology journal). Students examine the contents and speculate about their origins.Dino Dig Site
Transform a corner of the classroom into a mini 'dig site' with sand, brushes, and buried plastic dinosaur bones. Students become paleontologists and carefully excavate the fossils.Fossil Mystery Box
Unbox unidentified fossils. Students work together to classify their mystery fossil.Dinosaur Egg Hatching
Present students with a large, mysterious 'dinosaur egg.' Throughout the day, play sounds of cracking and movement, culminating in the 'hatching' of a baby dinosaur toy or a clue related to dinosaurs.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Fossil Finder
Students become paleontologists and learn to identify different types of fossils. They will learn how to sort fossils based on their characteristics.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA sorted collection of fossils with a written description of the characteristics used for sorting.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Sort fossils based on characteristics.Dino Bone Detective
Students learn to identify different types of dinosaurs by studying their bones.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of dinosaur skeletons matched with individual bones and a description of each dinosaur's unique features.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Identify different types of dinosaurs, Differentiate between types of dinosaurs, Draw dinosaur skeletons.Dino Story Time
Students will use their knowledge of dinosaurs to create a story about dinosaurs.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA short story about a dinosaur, including details about its appearance, habitat, and behaviors.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Tell stories about dinosaurs, Identify different types of dinosaurs.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioDino Dig Portfolio Rubric
Fossil Sorting & Observation
Demonstrates ability to sort fossils based on observable characteristics and describe the reasoning behind the sorting.Sorting Accuracy
Accuracy of sorting fossils into appropriate groups based on observable characteristics.
Exemplary
4 PointsSorts fossils accurately into distinct groups with clear, logical categories. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of fossil characteristics.
Proficient
3 PointsSorts fossils into mostly accurate groups with generally logical categories. Shows a good understanding of fossil characteristics.
Developing
2 PointsSorts fossils into groups, but with some inaccuracies or illogical categories. Shows a basic understanding of fossil characteristics.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to sort fossils into meaningful groups. Shows limited understanding of fossil characteristics.
Descriptive Detail
Provides detailed descriptions of the characteristics used for sorting fossils.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides comprehensive and insightful descriptions of fossil characteristics, using precise language and detailed observations.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear and detailed descriptions of fossil characteristics, using appropriate language and specific observations.
Developing
2 PointsProvides some descriptions of fossil characteristics, but lacks detail or clarity. Uses basic language and general observations.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal or unclear descriptions of fossil characteristics. Struggles to articulate observations.
Dino Bone Identification
Demonstrates ability to match individual bones to correct dinosaur skeletons and describe unique features.Skeleton Matching
Accuracy of matching bones to the correct dinosaur skeletons.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately matches bones to skeletons, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of dinosaur anatomy.
Proficient
3 PointsMatches most bones to skeletons accurately, showing a good understanding of dinosaur anatomy.
Developing
2 PointsMatches some bones to skeletons accurately, but with some errors. Shows a basic understanding of dinosaur anatomy.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to match bones to skeletons accurately. Shows limited understanding of dinosaur anatomy.
Feature Description
Describes the unique features of each dinosaur's bones.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides detailed and insightful descriptions of unique bone features, explaining their function and significance with clear reasoning.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear and detailed descriptions of unique bone features, highlighting their importance and function.
Developing
2 PointsProvides some descriptions of unique bone features, but lacks detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal or unclear descriptions of unique bone features. Struggles to articulate observations.
Dino Storytelling
Ability to create a short story about a dinosaur, including details about its appearance, habitat, and behaviors.Story Creativity
Originality and imagination in the dinosaur story.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates a highly original and imaginative story with engaging characters, setting, and plot.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a creative and imaginative story with interesting characters, setting, and plot.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a story with some creative elements, but may lack originality or detail.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create a story with clear characters, setting, or plot. Lacks creativity and imagination.
Dinosaur Accuracy
Accuracy of information about the dinosaur's appearance, habitat, and behaviors in the story.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately incorporates detailed information about the dinosaur's appearance, habitat, and behaviors into the story, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of dinosaur characteristics.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately incorporates information about the dinosaur's appearance, habitat, and behaviors into the story, showing a good understanding of dinosaur characteristics.
Developing
2 PointsIncorporates some information about the dinosaur's appearance, habitat, or behaviors into the story, but may have inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to incorporate accurate information about the dinosaur's appearance, habitat, or behaviors into the story. Shows limited understanding of dinosaur characteristics.