SUPER 3 DINOSAURS:A collaborative lesson

between 2nd grade teachers and media specialist

After conducting several searches for possible Super3 lesson plans, I found many with a dinosaur theme. My teaching experience has been with younger children – preschool to third grade and typically boys. Most young children (especially boys) typically like dinosaurs, so I adapted many ideas from the lesson plans already developed to create my own. I geared my lesson plan towards second grade, because this was the last grade I taught.

This lesson covers state standards:

STATE GOAL 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.A. Use correct grammar, spell ing, punctuation, capitalization and structure.B. Compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific pur poses and audiences.STATE GOAL 5: Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information.C. Locate, organize, and use infor ma tion from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideasD. Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sourcesE. Locate, organize, and use infor ma tion from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideasSTATE GOAL 12: Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.F. Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environ ment.

Objectives

The students will•begin understanding library systems with guidance•organize information found by filling out note cards and dinosaur information sheet•students will use the factual research they have done on a specific dinosaur to create a 5 paragraph expository paper about that dinosaur• implement the use of technology and the writing process throughout the unit•will make a dino-trading card using KidPix during technology time in the computer lab

The 2nd grade teachers and the media specialist will work collaboratively on this project. The 2 nd grade teachers will introduce this unit by reading the letter from Aunt Dino Sor. The librarian will help the students learn how to use the materials in the library to conduct research. The librarian will also share books with a dinosaur theme. The teachers will help the students organize their notes and write their papers. The art project will be done at home.

Literature: If the Dinosaur's Came Back by Bernard Most Fossils Tell of Long Ago- Aliki The Book of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life- Carol Bloch The How and Why Wonder Book of Dinosaurs- Darlene Geis

Objectives

• To learn about a dinosaur• To write a 5 paragraph research paper (done

at school)• To create a dino-habitat based on research

(done at home)• To evaluate own work using rubric• To implement the use of technology and the

writing process throughout the unit

Dear 2nd graders,

I have to leave on a trip and I need someone to look after my pet dinosaurs. I've put each dinosaur in its own cage for safe keeping, but they will need a home very soon. They would be happier in their own habitat so I need you to design a Dinosaur Zoo for them.

Do you remember the last time that we visited? You told me that you were studying about dinosaurs at school. Please ask your teacher if your class can help you find information about each of my dinosaurs. I've got quite a collection of these critters, so if everyone could learn about just one dinosaur, you could get the job done more quickly.

Love, Aunt Dinah Sor

The construction crew will begin work as soon as you've completed the plans. Please hurry, the sooner we can put my pets in their own habitat, the healthier and happier they will be. I'll see you in a few days.

Planasaurus defines the problem and decides what he needs to know and do when he finishes. He decides where to look to find the information he needs and what a good job looks like when he is done.

Before I start… I PLAN

1. What am I supposed to do?

2. Where should I look for information?

3. What does a good job look like?

http://big6.com/presentations/super3dinos/index.php

The Task

• You will learn about one dinosaur and the time period in which it lived.

• Using the data/information that you have gathered about your dinosaur, you will write a 5 paragraph research paper about your dinosaur.

• You will choose one medium to create a dinosaur habitat/zoo. You can make a diorama, a papier-mâché model, or painting (it is your choice) to display your dinosaur and it’s habitat.

As I work,

I THINK about…..

1. Are my notes accurate and complete?

2. Have I written a good paragraph?

3. Does my project have the information it needs?

Doasaurus reads, listens, looks, touches, tastes, or smells for the information and takes out the information needed to complete the task.

http://big6.com/presentations/super3dinos/index.php

My questionsSource(include pg

numbers)Information I found

What is the dinosaur’s name?    

What does the name mean?    

How long is the dinosaur?    

Does the dinosaur eat plants, meat, or both plants and meat?

   

Describe the dinosaur’s teeth.    

How did the dinosaur walk/fly?

What is one interesting fact about the dinosaur?

Dinosaur Information WorksheetStudent Name: ___________________________

Fill in the information in the spaces below.)

Now it's time to create your Dinosaur Trading Cards that the museum will be handing out to the children who visit the new Dinosaur Exhibit.

We'll be using a template already created in KidPix. It is in your student folder.

Using the Fill tool in KidPix, color your dinosaur as close to the way they really looked.Using the ABC Text Tool, enter your information about your dinosaur from your Dinosaur Research Sheet.

Here's what your Dinosaur Trading Card might look like:

Dinosaur Trading Cards

Sources:

• Books found in school library• Books found in public library• Internet• Magazines• Encyclopedia• Video/DVD

http://www.kidsdinos.com/

Dino Art

Dinorama

Paper Mache Model

Dinosaur landscape with paper Mache and paint.

Reviewasaurus judges the results.

1. What new skill did I learn that I can use again?

2. What did I enjoy or hate about the assignment?

3. What grade would I give myself?

When I am finished…I REVIEW

http://big6.com/presentations/super3dinos/index.php

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1Organization Information is very

organized with well-constructed paragraphs.

Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs.

Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well-constructed.

The information appears to be disorganized.

Amount of Information

All topics are addressed and all questions answered.

All topics are addressed and most questions answered.

All topics are addressed, and some questions answered.

One or more topics were not addressed.

Quality of Information Information clearly relates to the main topic.

Information mainly relates to the main topic.

Information sometimes relates to the main topic.

Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic.

Sources All sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented in the desired format.

Most sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented in the desired format.

Some sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented in the desired format.

None of the sources is accurately documented.

Mechanics No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.

Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors

A few grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors.

Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

Appearance Report is neat and meets the following criteria: size 14 font, manuscript font style. Report title is center aligned. Paragraphs are left aligned.

Report is neat and meets 3 of the 4 criteria: size 14 font, manuscript font style. Report title is center aligned. Paragraphs are left aligned.

Report is neat and meets 2 of the 4 criteria: size 14 font, manuscript font style. Report title is center aligned. Paragraphs are left aligned.

Report only meets 1 of the 4 criteria: size 14 font, manuscript font style. Report title is center aligned. Paragraphs are left aligned.

Effort Student consistently used available class time without prompting.

Student mostly used available class time without prompting.

Student sometimes used class time without prompting.

Student rarely used class time without prompting

Research Report : Dinosaur ResearchName:_________________________

Each student will need to use several sources to gain information about their chosen dinosaur. A variety of books and websites will be made available in class for student use, but they will not be taken home. You will need to find other sources to complete your report. We will be working together here to gather as much information as possible, but help from home will be appreciated!

In addition to information gathering and note-taking, students will create an art project rendering of their chosen dinosaur and habitat. Because we have not yet discussed the prehistoric eras, some students will not yet be able to begin this portion of the project. At home, however, families can start getting students excited and interested in the various ways they can complete this portion of the report. I will send home more information as we learn more!

We will talk about the final report format in class.

What is my project timeline?

1. Reading information and note taking. Date Due ________________

2. 3-D Art: Students will need to create an art project of their dinosaur and habitat. When complete, it should demonstrate creative thinking, strong effort, and good craftsmanship. Examples of projects may include (but are not limited to): mobile, diorama, model, or sculpture. Material examples may include: paper maché, styrofoam, wood, foam-core board or cardboard, self-hardening clay or salt dough (not play-dough), plaster, paint, etc. The final piece should have neat, clearly visible labels as needed. It should also include the student’s name and title of project.

To be brought into class ___________

3. Neat/Final Copy: Will be done in class.