Living Dinosaurs: Fact or Fiction?

Photo of a bird fossil from the activity

Topic

Resource Type

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IB
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Description

In this activity, students evaluate and discuss statements about the evolutionary relationship between birds and dinosaurs covered in the short film Great Transitions: The Origin of Birds.

This activity can be used as an anticipation guide to focus students on several of the key concepts presented in the short film. It also can serve as a pre- and post-assessment.

Student Learning Targets

  • Evaluate claims based on information and evidence provided in a film.
  • Participate in a collaborative peer discussion about interpretations of the evidence from the film.
     

Estimated Time

One 50-minute class period.

Key Terms

Archaeopteryx, avian dinosaur, bird, Deinonychus, fossil record, non-avian dinosaur, reptile, theropod, transitional fossil

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History

Date Published
Date Updated

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4-1; SEP6

AP Biology (2019)

SYI-2.C, EVO-1.N, EVO-3.B,EVO-3.C ; SP1

IB Biology (2016)

5.1

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.WHST.9–12.1

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1; DP1

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