How to Teach About Dinosaurs and Dragons
The link between dinosaurs the real creatures and dragons the mythological creatures is clear. Dinosaurs and dragons have similar physical characteristics and behaviors in stories and pictures, and usually, dragons in fiction and movies are based on real creatures that once lived on earth. The discovery of dinosaur bones led to the creation and belief in dragons in many societies. Dinosaurs are creatures that once lived and are now extinct, whereas dragons are mythological creatures made up by writers and artists in stories, movies and other popular media. Teaching children about the link between the two creatures offers a great opportunity for creative learning.
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Instructions
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Introduce the topic by reading with the class "Dinosaurs and Dragon" (listed under resources). Discuss with the class what dinosaurs and dragon are, and make a list of the similarities and differences between dinosaurs and dragons. This list can be used to help the class complete assignments on the subject.
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Have the students research one type of dinosaur and one type of dragon by using the two websites Discovery Channel Types of Dinosaurs and Monstrous Dragon Page (see Resources). The students should take notes on the physical characteristic of the creature, their diet, their habitat and their activities. Two good books to use is Dinosaurs: A Complete Guide to Dinosaurs by Steve Parker and Dragonology by Dr. Ernest Drake. Give the students about a half-hour to do the research using books or the websites.
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Instruct students to create a new species of dinosaur and dragon using their research notes. Each species must include a new name for the type of dinosaur and dragon, physical description of the creature, the creature's diet, living environment, its location in the world and its daily activities. After the students have finished writing the information, they can draw the dinosaur or dragon as they think it would look and share the drawing with the class.
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Tell the students to design a board game about the dragon and dinosaur they created. The game must describe the differences of the dinosaur and dragon in detail, and the game design should include a visually appealing board layout, pieces, dice and cards with questions or instructions. The game must have a strategy and goal and a unique name. Finally, the students must also include detailed instruction for the game. Index cards can be used for game cards or instructions.
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Give the students time to design the board game, pieces and cards on paper and later discuss the games with the class. Collect the papers and give students some input on how to improve the game. After a few days, create the games to play by using the website Board Game Design (www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson20.html).
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