Dinosaur Diversity

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is the second in a five-lesson unit titled "Jurassic Journey Exploration." Pupils will explore the diversity of dinosaurs during the Jurassic period, focusing on identifying types of dinosaurs and understanding their adaptations. The lesson is designed for Year 5 pupils (age 9-10) and aligns with the National Curriculum for England’s Science programme of study for Key Stage 2.

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National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 2 Science - Living Things and Their Habitats:

• Describe the differences in the life cycles of a mammal, an amphibian, an insect and a bird
• Describe the life process of reproduction in some plants and animals
• Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways
• Explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment

Working Scientifically:

• Asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
• Setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
• Making systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units
• Gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering questions
• Using results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions
• Identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, all pupils will be able to:

• Identify and categorise dinosaurs from the Jurassic period based on their physical characteristics (e.g., herbivores/carnivores, bipedal/quadrupedal)
• Explain how specific adaptations helped dinosaurs survive in their habitats
• Create a clear, informative poster that summarises a dinosaur’s unique features and habitat

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Success Criteria

• Dinosaurs are correctly grouped according to observable characteristics
• At least three specific adaptations for each dinosaur type are described accurately
• Posters include labelled illustrations, habitat details, and adaptation explanations
• Pupils use scientific vocabulary confidently (e.g., adaptation, herbivore, predator, prey, habitat)

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Resources Needed

• Dinosaur fact cards or information sheets (featuring a variety of Jurassic dinosaurs)
• Large A3 coloured paper for poster making
• Coloured pencils, markers, glue, scissors
• Classification chart template (for grouping dinosaurs)
• Images/models of key dinosaur adaptations (claws, teeth, limbs)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Ipads/tablets with dinosaur videos (optional, for engagement)

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and introduce dinosaur diversity.

• Show a selection of images of Jurassic dinosaurs on the whiteboard (e.g., Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Brachiosaurus)
• Ask pupils: "What do you notice about these dinosaurs? How are they similar or different?"
• Brief whole-class discussion focusing on size, shape, teeth, number of limbs, diet (herbivore/carnivore)
• Introduce the term "adaptation" and briefly explain its meaning as features that help organisms survive in their environment

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2. Main Activity Part 1 – Dinosaur Classification (20 minutes)

Objective: Group dinosaurs by physical characteristics and adaptations.

• Pupils work in groups of 5 (6 groups total)
• Each group is given dinosaur fact cards and a classification chart template
• Groups sort dinosaurs based on characteristics (diet, movement type, body covering, size) and complete the chart
• Circulate to support and challenge pupils with targeted questions (e.g., Why might this dinosaur have sharp teeth? What does that tell us about its diet?)

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3. Main Activity Part 2 – Poster Creation (25 minutes)

Objective: Create a detailed dinosaur poster summarising features and habitat.

• Assign each group one dinosaur from their classification activity to research in more detail
• Groups use fact cards, images, and their notes to create an A3 poster
• Posters should include:
  • Dinosaur name
  • Illustration or labelled picture
  • Habitat description (e.g., forested areas, floodplains)
  • Key adaptations with explanations (e.g., "Long neck to reach tall trees")
• Encourage creativity with colours and clear labelling

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4. Plenary – Gallery Walk and Peer Feedback (5 minutes)

Objective: Share learning and reflect on adaptations.

• Groups display their posters around the room
• Pupils circulate in a gallery walk, observing others’ posters
• Using sticky notes, they write one positive comment or question for two other groups’ posters
• Select 2-3 groups to share one interesting adaptation learned from another group's poster

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Assessment for Learning

• Monitor group discussions during classification to assess understanding of adaptations and categories
• Evaluate posters against success criteria for accuracy and completeness
• Use peer feedback notes to identify pupils who can explain adaptations confidently
• End-of-lesson questioning to assess understanding of adaptation concepts

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide scaffolded fact cards with simpler language or fewer dinosaurs
• Challenge: Extension task to research and include why certain adaptations might have evolved (e.g., environmental pressures)
• Visual learners: Use diagrams and models of dinosaurs for hands-on engagement
• EAL learners: Pre-teach key scientific vocabulary and provide pictorial glossaries

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Art: Developing illustration and design skills during poster creation
• English: Using scientific terminology, writing clear descriptive sentences
• Computing (optional): Use tablets to watch short dinosaur documentaries or create digital posters

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Reflection and Next Steps

• Review the effectiveness of group work in promoting discussion about adaptations
• Consider use of technology to further individual research in upcoming lessons
• Plan to revisit scientific vocabulary in subsequent lessons to reinforce understanding

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This lesson plan ensures pupils meet the National Curriculum requirements by using enquiry, classification, and scientific vocabulary related to living things and their adaptations. The engaging hands-on poster activity and group work promote deep understanding and retention of facts about Jurassic dinosaurs.