BACKGROUND:
Each type of dinosaur roamed only certain areas of the earth. The
dinosaur globe can help students visualize where dinosaurs lived. There was
never a particular type of dinosaur that lived everywhere on Earth. Animals
that cannot swim or fly, which includes dinosaurs, are usually isolated on
one continent. Within that continent, these animals may be further isolated
from each other by high mountain ranges or extreme climatic zones (deserts,
for example). Most modern land-living animals have a patchy global
distribution similar to that of dinosaur fossils. For example, kangaroos are
native to Australia and are not found in the "wild" in other parts
of the world. Humans are unusual in this regard. We have built devices like
boats and airplanes that allow us to travel beyond our natural continental
boundaries.
Songs may be used to encourage students to "act out" dinosaur
behavior and contrast the appearance and lifestyles of different dinosaurs.
During this post lab we encourage review of dinosaurs through music. Use the
songs provided in the procedure section or original songs made up in class
or songs chosen from one of the many dinosaur music albums available
commercially.
PROCEDURE:
- Play the Crazy Professor by Kevin Roth to students to
get into a dinosaur mood.
- Point out to students that the globe shows that different kinds of
dinosaurs lived in different parts of the world during the Mesozoic Era.
These may not be available for sale.
- Divide the class into "Meat-eaters" and
"Plant-eaters." Lead the following two songs. Have everyone
join in as the appropriate groups move around the room acting like their
type of dinosaur. The meat-eaters should walk on two legs and act
predatory and ferocious. The plant-eaters should munch shrubbery and be
on the watch for predators. You should use props for this activity if
possible. Fangs, plastic claws, armor (horns, plates, frills), and fake
ferns, would all be fun. If you like, you may make up your own songs in
lieu of, or in addition to, the ones given here. Your class might enjoy
"brainstorming" to set dinosaur facts to popular song music.
If you wish, you may bypass music altogether and make up your own
dinosaur rap.
SONG 1 (sing to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star")
"Three-horned face, Triceratops,
Eat plants all day. I never stop.
Tyrannosaurus eats my friends,
But horns and frill are my defense.
Three-horned face, Triceratops,
Eat plants all day. I never stop."
SONG 2 (sing to the tune of "I'm a Little Teacup")
"I'm Tyrannosaurus big and strong,
Front arms are short, but my claws are all long.
When I hunt for dinner, hear me roar,
And chase the smaller dinosaurs."
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