Some dinosaurs lived in places that got really hot and they needed to find ways to keep cool!
MY PLAN:
Observe how different dinosaurs stay cool on a hot day!
FIELD NOTES:
The Futalognkosaurus was hiding under a tree to block the sun and stay cool. But she’s so big the tree only covers part of her body!
The Psittacosaurus dug a hole because it’s cooler inside the hole than outside in the sun.
I found a Kosmoceratops rolling around in mud to keep the sun off its skin and stay cool ... Kind of like dino sunblock!
FINDING:
There were lots of ways that dinosaurs kept cool. Some found shade under trees, others dug holes to make their own shade, and some covered themselves in mud to help keep the sun off their bodies.
FOR TEACHERS / PARENTS:
About the Episode: In this episode, Dana investigates how different dinosaurs keep cool when they get hot. She learns that the Futalognkosaurus keeps cool by finding its own shade (e.g., under a tree), the Psittacosaurus stays cool by digging its own holes and the Kosmoceratops keeps cool by rolling in mud! This episode teaches children that different dinosaurs use different methods of staying cool by using their unique features to their advantage.
Extension Activity:
Just like dinosaurs, humans get hot on sunny days and need to find ways to cool down. Some dinosaurs find shade, dig holes, or roll around in mud. What are some ways you keep cool on a hot day? Do you use some of the same techniques as the dinosaurs? Make a list of ways with your child to remind them how important it is to cool down from the heat.
Heart Moment: In this episode, Dana’s grandma makes Dana wear a dress for their family portrait. While completing her Dino Experiment, Dana gets the dress all dirty! Even though her grandma gets upset, Dana builds up the courage to say that she doesn’t like wearing dresses. Her grandma understands and makes her a new outfit that Dana feels comfortable in. Has your child expressed interest in choosing their own clothes? Are there certain types or colours of clothes they do or do not want to wear? Clothing is a terrific way to let young kids express themselves. Try to encourage their unique choices and voice.
CURRICULUM EXPECTATIONS:
Kindergarten
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
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
