Dinosaur Discovery Park Project-Based Learning Activity for Grades 4-7

Ignite your learner’s imagination with our comprehensive entrepreneurial activity and help them develop critical thinking, creative thinking and problem-solving skills. This project integrates multiple subject areas, including English Language Arts (ELA), writing, planning, art, geometry, and growth mindset. Perfect for a wide range of ages and skills, it offers flexible activities that can be tailored to your learner's needs.

Objective:

The primary goal is to immerse learners in the fascinating world of dinosaurs and park design while enhancing their design, math, critical thinking, and project management skills. Through this project, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Jurassic period and the Mesozoic era.

Learning Outcomes:

Learners will:

• Develop critical thinking and project management skills.
• Gain knowledge about dinosaurs, their habitats, and adaptations.
• Integrate ELA, writing, planning, art, and geometry into a cohesive project.

Motivating Question: "What would a Dinosaur Discovery Park look like, and how can we make it fun, educational, and interactive?"

Project Activity Pages:

• Planning and Design: Brainstorming
• Need to Know: Questions
• Choose Your Activities
• Scavenger Hunt
• Dino Selection and Habitat
• About My Dinosaurs
• Mesozoic Era Timeline
• Activities Descriptions
• Sketching it Out: Activity Drawings
• Add Your Own: Innovative Activity
• Map Design Checklist
• Key to Your Map
• Park Design
• Park Map
• Business Profile
• Dino Park Brochure
• How's Business?: Making a Profit
• Oh No! What Will I Do?: Facing Challenges
• Reflections
• Final Projects

Learner Decision-Making:

Learners will make real-life business decisions, such as choosing activities, designing exhibits, and creating their park layout. This process empowers them to think critically and creatively, honing their entrepreneurial skills.

Learner Inquiry:

A key component of this project is fostering investigative skills. Learners will research facts about dinosaurs, the Jurassic period, habitats, adaptations, and food chains, enabling them to make informed decisions for their Dinosaur Discovery Park.

Differentiation:

Students of different skill levels can either focus more on design and exploration, or on the business planning and profit margins.

Feedback and Revision:

Learners will engage in a feedback and revision process, reflecting on their experiences to identify successes and challenges. This continuous improvement loop encourages self-guided research and extension activities, expanding their understanding and skills.

Published Product:

Learners will choose how to present their findings. Options include producing an infographic about the Jurassic period, dinosaur food chains, and adaptations or writing a short story featuring dinosaur characters, showcasing their creativity and knowledge.

How to Use:

The project includes 20 activities that can be printed and organized into a binder or stapled together. Scaffolding information, including vocabulary, facts, reading lists, and weblinks, is available at any stage of the project. 

Use of colored pencils, markers, and crayons is encouraged to enhance the visual appeal of project materials. Resources such as the internet, textbooks, maps, and peer collaboration will help learners successfully complete their projects.

Get your learners excited about dinosaurs with our Dinosaur Discovery Park Project – a fun, educational, and comprehensive learning experience!