Science: Life Science

As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of:

• structure and function in living systems.
• populations and ecosystems.
  
• diversity and adaptations of organisms.

Source: National Science Education Standards

Create fun, dimensional dinosaurs to enhance story time and study of prehistoric animals. Discuss the body structure of dinosaurs and how bones have been fossilized over time. Consider the challenges and benefits of their massive size in prehistoric ecosystems. Encourage students to compare and contrast dinosaurs with other animals. Build dimensional dinosaurs for oral reports and class presentations.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Note: This lesson can be created using either Ellison AllStar or SureCut Dies.

Supplies Used: Construction Paper, Glue, Pen or Pencil

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Die-cut Dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus Rex Bones 3-D #1 and Dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus Rex Bones 3-D #2 using cardstock or other heavy paper. Die-cut two Dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus Rex Bones 3-D #3. Work from the top down to assemble.
2. Fold the Tyrannosaurus Rex head and upper spine on perforation. The slits in the spines will hold the vertebrae in place (Figure A).
3. Slide the two small vertebrae into both of the two top slits of the spines with the single bone toward the back of the spine (Figure B).
4. Slide the large vertebrae with arms into the 3rd slits of the spines. Fold the arms forward on perforations (Figure B).
5. Slide the two large vertebrae into the 4th and 5th slits of the spines (Figure B).
6. Align the bottom two slits of the spines with the top two slits of the two tails (Figure C).
7. Slide one pelvis, using the inner slits, into the 6th slits of the aligned spines and tails with the single bone toward the front of the spine. Slide the other pelvis into the 7th slits with the single bone toward the back of the spine (Figure D).
8. Slide the legs into the outer slits on the pelvis. The opposing slits will lock the legs in place (Figure D).
9. Slightly fold the legs to bow them and to support Tyrannosaurus Rex (see Main Photo).
10. Slide five of the large vertebrae into the next five slits of the tails (one large vertebrae is not used) (Figure E).
11. Slide the three small round vertebrae through the two ends of the tails to hold the tail together (Figure E).