Resource #V106022

Précis

Students research information about the dinosaurs featured at Blackgang's Restricted Area 5, recording it in a table on-site - they then use it back in the classroom to classify the dinosaurs in their correct groups and subgroups.

Contextual Summary

This resource links to the National Curriculum for Science, (recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways; classification). This on-site and post-visit science activity is for key stage 2 students and allows the students to work scientifically in observing and grouping information about living things as represented at the Restricted Area 5 dinosaur attraction. Students will be able to use the information they record in a table to classify the dinosaurs seen at Blackgang Chine. This resource engages students with specific elements of their visit, linking their learning to the curriculum; identifying the features and characteristics of dinosaurs and ultimately grouping them as appropriate based on these, using the relevant scientific classification methods.

Curriculum Relevance

Science → Biology → Living things and their habitats

Implementation

This is an on-site and post-visit activity. It would be useful if students have had previous discussions about classification. It would also be helpful preparation for students to know how different characteristics of dinosaurs can be used to help classify them, before their visit to Blackgang Chine. When on-site, students research information about the dinosaurs featured at Blackgang?s Restricted Area 5, recording it in a table. Students then use this information back in the classroom to classify the dinosaurs placing them into the correct groups and subgroups. An extension task is also available - this asks students to write a scientific summary of their findings with regard to one dinosaur.

Key Skills Practised

• Working scientifically
• Making decisions about how to record and analyse data
• Making accurate observations
• Using scientific terminology to describe findings
• Using scientific information to classify animals

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

It is suggested to teachers that some background to the topic be taught and practised in class prior to the trip so students are aware of the scientific skills they will be using.

On Site

Students to complete tasks within the Science resource linked to this document

Post-Visit

Students complete their research and group their chosen dinosaurs ? Students complete the extension task summarising their findings about one dinosaur species.

Learning Outcomes

Students recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways. Students will be able to name a variety of dinosaur species that were once found in the local and wider environment. Students will explore and use classification tools to group a variety of living things. Students will use scientific language to explain their findings.