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Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp |
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Author: Carol Diggory Shields Publisher/Date: Scholastic; 1998 ISBN: 0-590-18709-0 Grade Levels Recommended for Use: 6-10 Brief Summary: The dinosaurs of the Jurassic and Triassic periods get together to dance at the dinosaur stomp. They are so rowdy they start the first earthquake. Topics: measurement; ratio; proportion; coordinate system; symmetry; transformation; area & volume; statistics; 3-D figures; perspective Suggested Activities: Measure the length of the footprint compared to the length of the stride in the book and find the ratio. Students will then measure their own feet and their own stride and ratio. Students will plot the dance steps mentioned in the book on a Cartesian coordinate system, and then have them compose their own dance steps on a grid. Identify and discuss the symmetry and transformation concepts involved. Proportion, size, and height could be explored by having the class figure out the differences between each dinosaur sizes. Statistics from dinosaur websites may be used to compare dinosaur heights, lengths, and weights. Volume could also be estimated and compared by sinking dinosaur models and measuring the change in water level. Have students design (and create?) cages (rectangular prisms or other composite shapes) for transporting dinosaurs. Remember to give them some breathing room! Calculate and compare the volume of each cage design. Students may draw their cages from different perspectives using isometric dot paper. Have students enlarge a black-line drawing of their favorite dinosaur using measurements, ratio and proportion. Calculate the difference in area and volume between the smaller and larger drawing. Websites: Dinopedia |