UKS2 Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Block G: Dinosaur DIY

Research key features of dinosaurs and how they are adapted to their environment; design your own dinosaur perfectly adapted to either the Triassic, Jurassic or Cretaceous period; create the structure, cover and paint your dinosaur model; finally, contribute to an ‘I Spy Dinosaurs’ class book and share your knowledge with other children.

Block G: Dinosaur DIY [4 sessions] / Main outcome: Science
Other outcomes: D&T and English
By the end of this block you will have achieved the following outcomes: / ·  Compare key features of dinosaurs from either the Triassic, Jurassic or Cretaceous period (size, defence, diet, teeth, movement and skin colour).
·  Collate information about habitat, eating habits and ecosystem of dinosaurs from their chosen period.
·  Use their research knowledge to design a dinosaur perfectly adapted to suit the period and plan the dinosaur on paper, with labelled features.
·  Create a structure of a dinosaur, drawing on design plans, and knowledge of dinosaurs from the chosen period of the Mesozoic era.
·  Discuss their dinosaur’s adaptation to suit its environment.
·  Use their knowledge of skin colours and textures of modern living things and understand the role skin colour plays in the natural world.
·  Choose from a selection of materials to create and cover a dinosaur structure.
·  Apply this knowledge of skin colour to dinosaur design.
·  Act as palaeoartists and create a skin colour and texture fitting for their dinosaur’s behaviours (camouflage, warning).
·  Consider the characteristics and behaviours of their DIY dinosaur
·  Consider its place in the chosen landscape of the Mesozoic era
·  Imagine their DIY dinosaur’s characteristics, including a ‘photograph’ and image of possible ‘footprint’ and list of characteristics, by writing a page of a class ‘I spy’ book
Session 1: Science and D&T
Dino DIY – Planning
Research key features of dinosaurs and then design a dinosaur perfectly adapted to either the Triassic, Jurassic or Cretaceous period. / Children will
·  Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose.
·  Recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.
·  Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
Session 2: Science and D&T
Dino DIY - Making
Working from a design plan, create the structure of your dinosaur. / Children will
·  Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose.
·  Recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.
·  Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
Session 3: Science and D&T
Dino DIY - Painting
Research skin colours and textures of modern living things and apply your knowledge to create the most suitable surface for your dinosaur model. / Children will
·  Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose.
·  Recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.
·  Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
Session 4: Science and English
‘I spy’ a DIY Dino
Contribute to a class ‘ I Spy’ dinosaur book with photographs, list of characteristics and possible ‘footprints’. / Children will
·  To be able to identify the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting the appropriate form and using similar writing as models for their own.
·  Recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.
·  Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.

Resources

Session 1

Provided: Planning your dinosaur.

You will need:

Session 2

Provided: How to make a dinosaur resource.

You will need: Your dinosaur design; Pipe-cleaners; Scissors; Card; Tape; Air-drying clay; Modroc, or tissue paper and PVA glue.

Session 3

Provided: How to paint dinosaur skin.

You will need: Your dinosaur design; Paint; Thin paint brushes; Cotton wool buds.

Session 4

Provided: I spy sheets.

You will need: Video camera for the more able challenge.

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