Resource #V106032

Précis

Students research the dinosaurs found on the Isle of Wight, and choose one on which to complete an in-depth investigation. They will look at the dinosaur's characteristics and link these to their evolution and will also explore reasons for their ultimate extinction. Students will then write up their findings, and produce a leaflet in Blackgang Chine's branding entitled 'Dinosaurs of the Isle of Wight'.

Contextual Summary

This resource links to the National Curriculum for Science, (fossils providing information about living things; how animals adapt to suit their environment). This pre-visit or post-visit science activity is for upper key stage 2 students and allows the students to work scientifically in researching information about living things (dinosaurs on the Isle of Wight). Some of these can be seen at the Restricted Area 5 dinosaur attraction during the students? visit. Students will be able to use the information they find to produce written summary material. This resource engages students with the dinosaurs seen at the park in a peripheral sense, enabling them to complete scientific research that links to elements of their visit, whilst linking their learning to the curriculum in a useful way.

Curriculum Relevance

Science → Biology → Evolution

Implementation

Students research the many dinosaurs whose fossils have been found on the Isle of Wight, and they can choose one on which to complete an in-depth investigation. A useful link for students to use for research is http://www.dinosaurisle.com/dinosaurs.aspx Students will look at that dinosaur?s characteristics and link these to their habitat and evolution, and will also explore reasons for their ultimate extinction. Students will then write up their findings, and ultimately produce a leaflet or information poster entitled ?Dinosaurs of the Isle of Wight?.

Key Skills Practised

• Working scientifically
• Making decisions about how to record and analyse data and research
• Identifying how animals adapted to suit their environment in different ways
• Rearching and understanding how information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago is discovered (fossils)
• Using scientific terminology to describe and summarise findings.

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

Students to complete tasks within the KS2 Science resource linked to this document

On Site

Students complete their research on their chosen dinosaurs

Post-Visit

Students complete the extension task summarising their findings about dinosaur species found as fossils on the Isle of Wight.

Learning Outcomes

Students recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago. Students will be able to name a variety of dinosaur species that were once found in the local and wider environment. Students will use scientific language to explain and describe their research findings. Students will use literacy skills and may use ICT in the presentation of their ?Dinosaurs of the Isle of Wight? leaflet / poster.