Teaching article
Prehistoric does not mean dinosaur
Check museum classifications instead of grouping by age alone.
A marine reptile can belong in a prehistoric-animal collection without being classified as a dinosaur. Use museum descriptions to discuss the grouping instead of sorting by dramatic appearance or the book in which an animal is pictured.
A prehistoric marine reptile is not automatically a dinosaur.
Check the named group
Use classification information from a suitable museum source. Living long ago or appearing in a dinosaur book does not establish membership of the group.
Read each description. Identify the named group. Explain the distinction.
Which source identifies the group? Use a two-card comparison.
'Prehistoric' is broader than 'dinosaur'.
Resources
- Fossil Clue Partner Game — Use the paper clues as a classroom evidence model.
Further reading
Read next
- Dinosaur diet claims should bring their evidence with them
- An extinction discussion needs an authoritative account to work from
- Turning in place and travelling around are separate movements
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