By: Molly Mann and Elizabeth Goetz
Second Grade Our thematic unit on dinosaurs will be taught over a course of five consecutive days in a second grade classroom. The curriculum on dinosaurs will focus on a variety of subjects, such as reading, science, mathematics, and writing. For our lessons we plan to cover a broad over view in dinosaurs, including how we know about them, types of dinosaurs, and how they lived.
Students will discuss and explain the history and lives of dinosaurs and will gain an understanding about why they no longer exist and how we know about them today.
Students will apply and demonstrate their mathematical skills such as determining and estimating lengths in inches and centimeters by measuring the bones of dinosaurs. CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.1 CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.3
Students will learn how to conduct interviews and formulate and develop questions. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1c CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.4 Gardner’s linguistic intelligence
Students will be able to support an argument and apply their knowledge through writing. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.1 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.8
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday Activity: A brief overview of the history of dinosaurs. Followed by reading The Magic School Bus in the Time of the Dinosaurs. Activity: Discuss the extinction of dinosaurs and create their own dinosaurs and write three sentences about their dinosaur. They will then measure the length of the body parts in inches. Activity: The students will have a fun and interactive to the Dinosaur State Park. Activity: Students will be conducting interviews with a partner. Activity: Creating an article for the Dino-times using knowledge learned from the week and the interviews.
Create own dinosaur Measure body parts Write three statements
Fieldtrip to Dinosaur State Park; Rocky Hill, CT The Park features over 500 Early Jurassic dinosaur footprints preserved in place inside the museum, alongside interactive exhibits about dinosaurs
Write an article for Dino-Times Prompt: “From your experience as a paleontologist at Dinosaur State Park, argue why studying dinosaurs is important. Use your knowledge about dinosaurs to help you.” Dino-Times
By their articles Rubric Evaluated one a one to five scale They will receive: (1)- Shows minimal understanding of information, little creativity and effort (2-3)-Demonstration of substantial understanding of information, some effort and creativity shown (4-5)-Clear understanding of information, able to apply information successfully & creatively, outstanding effort