Are birds descendants of dinosaurs? Learners consider the question as they watch an informative video comparing fossil records of dinosaurs with current species. Following the video, groups ponder the evidence to draw conclusions about the evolutionary relationship between dinosaurs and birds.

Concepts

dinosaurs, fossils, fossil records, birds, physiology, anatomy, evolution

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use as an introduction to the evolution of species
• Create two groups to debate the question Are birds descendants of dinosaurs?

Classroom Considerations

• Expects knowledge of evolutionary characteristics among animals

Pros

• Adapts to both middle and high school standards
• Provides additional questioning strategies to extend learning

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.7