In this activity children compare differences between dinosaurs to identify factors that may affect speed.
Description
Scientists at Manchester University calculated that Tyrannosaurus Rex probably had a top speed of around 18mph (29 kmph) making it faster than many sports stars. They worked it out by entering data about muscles, weight, bones etc. into a computer. However, although T. Rex might have been the fiercest dino, it wasn't the fastest. Compsognathus pelted along at 40mph - 5mph speedier than the current fastest creature on two legs, the ostrich.
Children will compare differences between dinosaurs to identify factors that may affect speed. They consider what information might be useful to scientists who are trying to predict the behaviour of an animal which is now extinct.
Learning Objective:
- to make observations and comparisons of relevant features
- to use bar charts or pictograms to present measurements
Children will learn:
- that some animals have bony skeletons inside their bodies and to raise questions about different bony skeletons
- to identify a question and turn it into a form that can be tested making a prediction
- to say what the evidence shows and whether it supports the prediction
These resources were initially developed in partnership with the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University.
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