How did the Microraptor protect itself from predators?
BACKGROUND RESEARCH NOTES:
The Microraptor is one of the smallest dinosaurs ever discovered.
MY PLAN:
Observe how a Microraptor protects itself from an Ozraptor.
FIELD NOTES:
The Microraptor used his fast speed to dodge around the Ozraptor.
The Microraptor got tired but then used his small size to escape and climb up out of the Ozraptor’s reach.
A bunch of Microraptors worked together as a team to scare off the Ozraptor.
FINDING:
The Microraptor uses its fast speed, small size, and teamwork to escape from predators.
FOR TEACHERS / PARENTS:
About the Episode: When set to compete against her sister – on and a much stronger and larger dodgeball team – Dana and her smaller teammates must remember a lesson she learned from the Microraptor; size doesn’t always matter. Smaller dinosaurs have to work together to fight off the larger ones, plus their small size helps them be fast and escape to small spaces.
Extension Activity:
This episode is all about the benefits of being small. Set your child up for success by creating a series of physical activities that highlight the strengths of being small compared to grownup size. Get ready for lots of laughs as you go up against your child! Some ideas – army-crawl under a chair, crab-walk from room to room, start a game of limbo to music, and race around tight corners! You can even put multiple ideas together and create a whole obstacle course! If you have more than one kid in the house, pick an activity that will showcase their strength in numbers (a bunch of small but mighty Microraptors) teaming up together against you (the mighty T. rex)!
Heart Moment: In this episode, Saara didn’t choose Dana to be on her dodgeball team because she thought Dana was too small to help their team win. Dana felt sad and ashamed of her small size but she was determined to win. She found a way to use her size to her advantage and win the game with the help of her teammates. Saara was very impressed and told Dana she wanted to be on her team next time.
Can your child identify a moment where they have been left out? How did they feel when this happened? This moment can be an opportunity for you to talk to your child about the importance of inclusivity and not judging someone by how they look. This could also lead to a discussion about how excluding someone can be hurtful and unkind. Finally, this moment can also be an opportunity to tell your child that they should always believe in themselves.
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
14.3 Recognize, explore, describe and compare patterns in the natural and built environment
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)
