Usgs: Dinosaurs: Fact and Fiction

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...

Around the world, about 2/3 of adult humans are lactose intolerant. Scholars work in small groups to discuss a few statements about lactose intolerance. Then, they watch a video on the topic and readdress each statement. Whole-class...

Most over-the-counter weight loss pills have not been tested or even approved by the FDA. Learners see the truth behind weight loss pills and why many claims are false. The narrator begins by exploring prescription diet pills—fat...

Dimetrodon—the dinosaur that wasn't really a dinosaur! Explore the facts about an animal that lived before the Jurassic era with a fact-filled video from Brain Scoop. The narrator shows dimetrodon's characteristics, its common...

Read and discuss the article "Welcome to Cicadaville (Enter at Your Own Risk)" to gain a better understanding around the confusion regarding cicadas and locust swarms. In groups your young analysts research statements about animals to...

Use the Franklin Institute's exhibition "An Inquirer's Guide to the Universe" to have students research ideas for a science fiction story. After completing their research, writers will compose science fiction stories that incorporate...

In this lesson students read fun, gross, or interesting facts about the digestive system and they are introduced to several unfamiliar words and encouraged to "be on the lookout" for those words during the lesson.

Plateosaurus was one of the first "giant dinosaur herbivores" and evolved during the Late Triassic period. Learn what fossils teach us about this dinosaur's size, diet, migration habits, and anatomy.

Refuse to alienate your scientific-minded young scholars during your creative writing unit. Learners explore how literary writing can reflect observable fact, and be based in actual science. The links include examples of fiction and...

Explore extensive information about a variety of Australian dinosaurs, as well as Chinese ones. The evolution of birds from dinosaurs is also described. This online exhibit offers images and facts about dinosaurs, their relatives and...