The Edmontosaurus doesn’t have any defences on it's body (no horns, no spikes, no hard shell).
MY PLAN:
Become an Edmontosaurus and observe how they defend themselves from predators!
FIELD NOTES:
I blew my loud horn to attract an Edmontosaurus family. The Edmontosaurus came but chewed up the horn!
I don’t think they wanted me to make loud noises that could attract predators, because a Giganotosaurus came over! Oops.
The Edmontosaurus made noises to warn each other about danger and then quietly and quickly ran away on their two hind legs!
FINDING:
Edmontosaurus defend themselves by: staying quiet so they don’t attract predators, warning each other when predators show up, running away on their two hind legs as fast as possible!
FOR TEACHERS / PARENTS:
About the Episode: In this episode Dana tries to figure out how the Edmontosaurus defends itself from predators. Dana finds out that the Edmontosaurus make loud noises to warn each other when a predator is nearby and then quickly and quietly hide so the predator can’t see them. She also finds out that the Edmontosaurus can run on its two back legs to quickly escape predators!
Extension Activity:
Even without bodily defences like spikes, big tails, and horns, the Edmontosaurus was able to find ways to plan and work together to protect themselves. We do the same thing as humans! Talk to your child about the ways they can protect themselves, and plans in place to follow. From the importance of washing hands to fight viruses and germs, to knowing what to do if there is a fire, being smart and prepared is the best defence! Make a list of their “dino defences” so you can review them on a regular basis! Maybe even try practicing some of them in your house!
Heart Moment: The same noises that Dana made to attract the Edmontosaurus were the same noises that also woke up her neighbour, Cai, who was up late the night before studying for her university exam. Even though Cai ends up helping Dana with her experiment, it is clear that Cai is frustrated by the disturbances (cues which Dana does not pick up on!). Take this opportunity to point out some of these moments to your child and talk about how it’s important to be mindful and respectful of neighbours.
CURRICULUM EXPECTATIONS:
Kindergarten
25.2 Identify and talk about their own interests and preferences
28.1 Recognize people in their community and talk about what they do
13.3 Select and use materials to carry out their own explorations
14.3 Recognize, explore, describe and compare patterns in the natural and built environment
22.1 Communicate their ideas about something through music, dance, and/or visual arts
Grade 1 Science– Understanding Life Systems Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
2.3 Investigate and compare the physical characteristics of a variety of plants and animals, including humans
3.2 Identify the physical characteristics (e.g., size, shape, colour, common parts) of a variety of plants and animals
Grade 2 Science – Understanding Life Systems Growing and changes in Animals
2.2 Observe and compare the physical characteristics (e.g., fur or feathers; two legs or no legs) and the behavioural characteristics (e.g., predator or prey) of a variety of animals, including insects, using student-generated questions and a variety of methods and resources
3.1 Identify and describe major physical characteristics of different types of animals (e.g. insects, mammals, reptiles)
Grade 1 Social Studies
A2.2 Gather and organize information on significant events, people, and/or places in their lives that contribute or have contributed to the development of their roles, relationships, responsibilities, and identity/sense of self, using primary and/or secondary sources that they have located themselves or that have been provided to them.
Grade 2 Social Studies
A3.1 Identify and describe different types of families
