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Before You Read
Paleontologists study fossils and other ancient life forms from the Paleozoic age, which occurred about 600 million years ago. This was the time when land plants, fish, amphibians, and reptiles began to appear on earth. Explain further that archaeologists study the more recent ancient past by digging up old buildings and objects and examining them carefully. You might ask students to share their own experiences with paleontology and archaeology. Have them tell about trips to natural history museums, books they've read or documentaries they've seen about expeditions and findings made by paleontologists and archaeologists.
Where would your students go on a archaeological expedition? Try some super writing activities and find out!
Prepare for a Dinosaur Hunt
Central Asia is just one of many geographic locations
where dinosaur remains have been found. Have students
engage in a Dinosaur Hunt through research, which
may include Internet websites. (Many sites are
available, one is http://www.fieldmuseum.org/museum_info/press/press_flynn.htm)
Have students imagine themselves as paleontologists
and prepare for their expedition. They might:
- write a memo that describes where they will hunt for dinosaurs.
- include reasons why this site was chosen in their memo.
- draw a map to show the location of their proposed dinosaur hunt.
- write a wish list of what they hope to find in their hunt.
Expedition Journal
The paleontologists in this book seek out dinosaur fossils from the Paleozoic age. Archaeologists deal with the more recent ancient past, such as remains of ancient civilizations in the Americas, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. Have students imagine that they have just made an important discovery while working as a student helper on an archaeologist's expedition. The journal entry might include:
- the identity of the ancient civilization they studied for the expedition.
- a description of the object they found.
- thoughts and feelings about this experience that connects them with the ancient world.
Archaeology Travel Brochure
Have students imagine that they run a travel agency for people interested in archaeology and paleontology. With the help of a world map, have them choose a location for which they will promote a special archaeology lover's vacation. In their travel brochure, students should include:
- a map of where the people will travel to.
- descriptions of what people will do and see on their archaeology vacation.
- direct quotations from past vacation clients to demonstrate that this travel agency plans successful archaeology vacations.
Expedition Advertisement
Have students imagine that they are archaeologists planning an important expedition. In order for the expedition to be a success, they need volunteers to help them. To encourage volunteers to sign up, have students write an advertisement. The ad should include:
- an explanation of the expedition's purpose.
- a description of the location where the expedition will take place.
- an explanation of the work that volunteers will be expected to do on the expedition.
- reasons why this experience is worthwhile for volunteers.
Story of an Expedition
The story of Dinosaurs at the Ends of the Earth is based on the experience of real people back in the 1920s. Students might want to create their own adventure story about this paleontology hunt. In the story, have them:
- choose a main character who is mentioned in the book, such as Granger, Olsen, Andrews, or even one of the hired helpers.
- create a problem related to the main character and the hunt for dinosaur fossils. Relate the problem to the story of the expedition as told by George in Dinosaurs at the Ends of the Earth.
- develop a series of events that show how the problem is solved. Include facts and details from Dinosaurs at the Ends of the Earth in addition to new and made-up ideas.
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