Dinosaur Discovery

Lesson Overview

This 60-minute lesson introduces Kindergarten students to the fascinating world of dinosaurs. Using hands-on, sensory, and visual activities aligned with the Australian Curriculum (Version 9) Foundation Year Science and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Goal framework, students will explore what dinosaurs are, different types of dinosaurs, and their environments. The lesson uses clear WALT statements, success criteria, differentiation for diverse learners including dyslexia-friendly reading options, and extension activities for advanced learners.

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Curriculum Alignment

Australian Curriculum (Science, Foundation Year)

• Content Descriptor: AC9SFI03 - Represent observations in provided templates and identify patterns with guidance.
• Strand: Science Understanding - Biological Sciences: Living things have basic needs, including food and shelter.
• Content Elaborations: Sorting images/models of animals by external features, identifying movement patterns .

Queensland Kindergarten Learning Goals

• Goal 1: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• Goal 2: Children are confident and involved learners
• Goal 3: Children have a strong sense of identity and wellbeing

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Learning Intentions (WALT) and Success Criteria

Time	WALT (We Are Learning To)	Success Criteria
10 min	WALT: Understand what dinosaurs are	I can say what a dinosaur is in my own words
15 min	WALT: Identify different types of dinosaurs	I can name at least two dinosaurs and describe one feature
15 min	WALT: Learn about where dinosaurs lived	I can say what kind of places dinosaurs lived in
15 min	WALT: Create a dinosaur habitat model	I can build or draw a habitat for dinosaurs
5 min	WALT: Reflect and share ideas about dinosaurs	I can share one thing I learned about dinosaurs

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Detailed Lesson Plan

Introduction (10 min)

• Activity: Storytime with a dyslexia-friendly book or visual story about dinosaurs (e.g., a book with clear, bold font and lots of images).
• Interaction: Teacher asks questions: "What is a dinosaur? Can you name any dinosaur?"
• Resources: Dinosaur picture cards, simple storybook or digital story (using large pictures and simple sentences).
• Differentiation:
  • For diverse learners: Use picture cues and concrete props (toy dinosaurs).
  • For students with dyslexia: Use audiobooks or read-along digital texts with clear fonts and spacing.
  • For advanced learners: Encourage them to recall dinosaur names or characteristics from memory.

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Dinosaur Types Exploration (15 min)

• Activity: Sorting activity using dinosaur cards (herbivores vs carnivores; different shapes and sizes).
• Interaction: Children group dinosaurs by features (e.g., size, number of legs, long necks).
• Resources: Dinosaur sorting mats, realia/toys, printed images.
• Differentiation:
  • Provide visual prompts and guided questions for all students.
  • Scaffold learning with matching labels for less confident learners.
  • Extend advanced learners by asking them to guess what the dinosaurs might have eaten or how they moved.

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Dinosaur Environment (15 min)

• Activity: Create a simple 3D model or drawing of a dinosaur habitat using natural materials (leaves, twigs, sand) or craft supplies.
• Interaction: Discuss with students what dinosaurs might have needed to live (water, plants, space).
• Resources: Craft supplies, natural objects, pre-prepared habitat templates.
• Differentiation:
  • Support fine motor skills with pre-cut materials.
  • Use background sounds or videos showing prehistoric environments.
  • Provide picture prompts relating to dinosaur environments for students who need extra support.

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Reflection and Sharing (5 min)

• Activity: Circle time where students share one interesting fact or drawing about dinosaurs.
• Interaction: Teacher models language and encourages use of new science terms such as "herbivore," "carnivore," "habitat."
• Differentiation:
  • Pair shy or less confident speakers with a buddy.
  • Provide sentence starters for speaking (e.g., "I learned that…").
  • Encourage advanced learners to explain why a dinosaur lived in its specific environment.

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Assessment Strategies

• Formative: Observations of student participation in discussions, sorting, and habitat creation.
• Success Criteria Check: Use a simple checklist to record if students can name at least two dinosaurs, describe a dinosaur's feature, and identify key aspects of dinosaur environments.
• Portfolio: Collect photos of the habitat model and students' drawings with brief verbal or written comments.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy
Students with dyslexia	Use of dyslexia-friendly fonts, audio resources, pictorial aids, and multisensory learning tools
English Language Learners (ELL)	Use gestures, visuals, and simple language plus peer support
Students with fine motor challenges	Provide adaptive tools or assistance with craft activities
Advanced Learners	Provide additional dinosaur facts, encourage creative storytelling and independent research

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Extension Activities

• Dinosaur role-play corner with costumes and props to act out dinosaur behaviours.
• Simple reading booklets with dinosaur facts using a dyslexia-friendly font for independent exploration.
• Digital interactive games (age-appropriate) exploring dinosaur facts and habitats.

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Resources Required

• Dyslexia-friendly dinosaur storybook or pre-recorded story
• Dinosaur picture cards and sorting mats
• Craft supplies: paper, glue, natural items (leaves, twigs, sand)
• Toy dinosaurs or replicas
• Large visual aids for dinosaur habitats
• Audio resources for auditory learners

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Notes for Teachers

• Ensure materials are safe and age-appropriate.
• Emphasise interactive, sensory engagement to support Kindergarten learning styles.
• Use First Nations perspectives when discussing animals and environments where appropriate, connecting to local Country/Place if possible.
• Keep language simple but introduce scientific vocabulary progressively.
• Celebrate all contributions to build confidence and a strong sense of identity.

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This lesson plan is designed to be engaging, accessible, and aligned with the Australian Foundation Science Curriculum and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Goals, helping young learners build foundational understandings of dinosaurs and their world.