Can you help Mr. Mesozoic?

Introduction:

An odd, but wealthy millionaire, Mr. Mesozoic has hired this class as a dinosaur research team.  He wants to build a dinosaur park.  Two prior attempts to build such a park have ended in disaster.  Mr. Mesozoic wants this park to be properly researched, so there are NO problems.  Please help him design a park so people can come see all kinds of dinosaurs safely, but where dinosaurs can still roam free. Below you will find your task, resources, process and some activities to complete your project.  Please read them carefully before you begin.

Task:
1. Each group of three students will be assigned one dinosaur from the table provided.  You are to read and record information you obtain from the Internet.
2. Using your information you will write a persuasive paragraph stating your reasons as to why you think your dinosaur should or should not be included in Mr. Mesozoic's park.
3. Print out a picture of each dinosaur. 
4. Be prepared to make an oral presentation to Mr. Mesozoic
5. Bonus - Create a power point presentation to present to Mr. Mesozoic.
6.  Bonus - Diorama Project - Make a model of the habitat you will design for the park.

Resources:
Here is a list of resources that you will find useful when searching for information on your dinosaur.

New Scientist Planet Science | The Rex Files | Everything you wanted to know about dinosaurs

Zoom Dinosaurs - Enchanted Learning Software

Dino-Diorama - Enchanted Learning Softwarettp://

Encarta Encyclopedia 99

Dinosaurs: A Closer Look CD ROM

2. Record your information on the sheet provided.

3. Answer the following questions about your dinosaur.

What does your dinosaur eat?
How big is your dinosaur? 
What distinctive features does your dinosaur have?
Does your dinosaur need to live near a large lake or river?
Will your dinosaur be safe for the other dinosaurs to live with?

4. Using the information you have recorded, brainstorm about whether or not your dinosaur should be in the park.  If your dinosaur could be dangerous, but you still wish to include it in the park, think of ways people could view your dinosaur safely.  But remember, no cages!

5. Write your information into a persuasive paragraph to present to Mr. Mesozoic, detailing why or why not your dinosaur should be included in the park, and how people can view it safely.  Be sure to include a topic sentence and a clincher sentence.

6. Find and print a picture to include in your presentation.

Conclusion:
Now you have learned how to use the Internet for research purposes and you have helped Mr. Mesozoic build his park. Have some fun and try some of the activities listed below.

Activities

http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Dell/2237/dino/puzzles.html
 

http://www.marshall-es.marshall.k12.tn.us/jobe/Read-Write/dinosaur/BuildWordSearch.asp

http://www.marshall-es.marshall.k12.tn.us/jobe/Read-Write/dinosaur/maindino.html

Download-a-Dinosaur

Have you ever heard a dinosaur roar?
http://www.yahooligans.com/Downloader/Sounds/Animals/Dinosaurs/
http://www.sciam.com/explorations/121597dinosaur/ w.
 

ãSandra Malec June, 1999