Sizing Up Dinosaurs

Overview

In this exciting final lesson of the "Dino Discovery Adventure" unit, students will integrate their mathematical skills with their knowledge of dinosaurs. They will calculate actual dinosaur sizes using proportions derived from measurements of their previously created dioramas. This cross-curricular approach strengthens understanding of scaling, ratio, and practical application of maths in scientific contexts, linking to key National Curriculum aims.

National Curriculum Links

• Mathematics
  • Year 8: Solve problems involving direct and inverse proportion (Number, ratio and proportion)
  • Interpret and construct tables, graphs and charts and use these to solve problems (Statistics)
  • Use standard units of measure, converting between units and using formulas for area, volume, and other measures (Measurement)
• English
  • Plan, draft and present detailed explanations and descriptions (Writing)
  • Develop vocabulary related to science and mathematics (Spoken Language)
  • Engage in discussions, presenting ideas clearly and responding thoughtfully (Speaking and Listening)
• Science (Cross-curricular link)
  • Relate knowledge of Earth’s history and prehistoric life in communicating scientific ideas

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Apply proportional reasoning to calculate real-life sizes of dinosaurs from scaled models.
2. Use conversion between different units of measurement appropriately (e.g. centimetres to metres).
3. Present and explain their findings clearly using appropriate scientific and mathematical vocabulary.
4. Understand the biological significance of dinosaur size in relation to survival and habitat.

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Resources Needed

• Students’ diorama designs from previous lessons (Lesson 1-3) with measurements marked
• Worksheets with scaling and proportion exercises tailored to given dinosaur models
• Rulers, calculator, conversion tables
• Whiteboard or interactive display for modelling calculations
• Presentation materials (paper, markers, or digital slides if available)
• Dinosaur fact sheet with size ranges and ecological facts for reference

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Lesson Structure (60 Minutes)

Starter Activity (10 minutes)

• Engage & Review: Begin by reviewing students’ diorama designs with particular attention to the size scale used. Using the whiteboard, recap how to calculate ratio and proportion with a quick model example, e.g., “If a model dinosaur is 10cm and actual dinosaur size is 10 metres, what is the scale factor?”
• Use questioning to elicit student ideas: “Why is it important to understand scale when working with models?” and “How might size have affected dinosaur survival?”

Main Activity Part 1 – Calculation Practice (20 minutes)

• Hand out worksheets containing specific dinosaurs from their dioramas.
• Task students to calculate the actual size of each dinosaur by applying the scale ratios. Example prompts:
  • Calculate length, height, and other dimensions from model to real size.
  • Convert between centimetres/metres and other appropriate units if necessary.
• Circulate to support with proportion calculations and encourage justification of their working out.
• Incorporate a challenge task:
  • If a Stegosaurus model is 15cm long with a scale of 1:40, what is its actual length?
  • How would its size help defend it from predators? This integrates scientific reasoning into maths.

Main Activity Part 2 – Presentation Preparation (15 minutes)

• Students prepare a short presentation or poster explaining:
  • Their calculated dinosaur sizes.
  • How size impacted dinosaur survival and behaviour (drawing on research done earlier in the unit).
• Encourage use of technical vocabulary learnt throughout the unit (e.g., ‘scale factor,’ ‘proportion,’ ‘dimensions,’ ‘adaptation’).
• Provide sentence starters on the board, e.g., “The real size of the dinosaur is... because...”, “The importance of its size for survival includes...”.

Plenary / Student Presentations (10 minutes)

• Each student shares their calculation process and key points on dinosaur size significance.
• Teacher and peers ask questions to deepen understanding and encourage critical thinking, e.g., “How would the environment influence the size of this dinosaur?”
• Brief whole-class reflection on how maths helps us understand the natural world.

Assessment & Feedback (5 minutes)

• Review students’ worksheets for accuracy and understanding of scale and proportion.
• Provide oral feedback stressing mathematical thinking and scientific inquiry.
• Highlight effective use of vocabulary and presentation skills.

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Differentiation

• For higher ability: Introduce inverse proportion problems, or have students create their own dinosaur scale problems using different units.
• For lower ability: Provide step-by-step guidance on scale calculations and use concrete examples with manipulatives to visualise scale factor.
• For EAL students: Pre-teach maths and science key vocabulary visually and through group discussion.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a digital 3D model of a dinosaur using software to manipulate size and scale digitally.
• Research and calculate sizes for extinct versus living reptiles to compare scale and survival strategies.
• Write a diary entry from the perspective of a dinosaur considering its size advantages/disadvantages.

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Reflection for Teachers

This lesson integrates practical maths skills with science and literacy, catering to varied learning styles through hands-on activities and presentations. Use this opportunity to foster enthusiasm for STEM subjects by highlighting real-world applications. Consider incorporating technology if available to further engage students.