Open Court Vocabulary for “Why Did the Dinosaurs Disappear?” Genre: Expository Text

climate The climate during the Ice Age was very cold. ( the normal weather conditions of a place )

protection A turtle’s shell gives it protection. ( the keeping of someone or something from harm )

moisture We can see the moisture of dew on the grass early in the morning. ( water or other liquid in the air or on a surface )

erupt Earthquakes made volcanoes erupt all over the world. ( to break out suddenly with force )

crater The meteorite made a huge crater when it hit the Earth. ( large hole )

Meteorites fall to the Earth pulled by Earth’s gravity. ( rocks from outer space)

discovery A new discovery gave scientists a new idea why the Earth became so cold. ( something that is seen or found out for the first time )

starved The dinosaurs may have starved to death. ( had nothing to eat )

moisture ( water or other liquid in the air or on a surface )

climate ( the normal weather conditions of a place )

erupt ( to break out suddenly with force )

( rocks from outer space)

starved ( had nothing to eat )

( rocks from outer space)

protection ( the keeping of someone or something from harm )

crater ( large hole )

“Why Did the Dinosaurs Disappear?” Scientists have lots of theories (ideas), but we will never know for sure. You will have to decide which theory you agree with the most.