Science
Dinosaurs & Paleontology
Conceptual
9–11 yrs
Palaeoart & Speculation
古生物艺术与推测
Description
Understand that palaeoart — scientific illustrations and models of dinosaurs — is based on fossil evidence but involves informed speculation about skin colour, feathers, and soft tissues that don't usually fossilise
Mastery Evidence
- Explain that bones and teeth are known from fossils but skin colour and soft tissues usually are not
- State that recent discoveries of preserved skin impressions and feather fossils have improved reconstructions
- Give an example of how our picture of a dinosaur has changed over time (e.g. feathered vs scaly Velociraptor)
Assessment Prompt
Does your child understand that pictures of dinosaurs are educated guesses? Can they explain what parts are based on evidence and what parts scientists have to imagine?
