Exploring Dinosaurs with Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy

Remembering
Define each of the following words:
Prehistoric, palaeontologist, herbivorous, fossil, fossil fuel, carnivorous.
Understanding
Explain the adaptive or defensive features and structural characteristics of dinosaurs.
Applying
Construct a series of “Who Am I?” cards by giving clues that describe several different dinosaurs on flip cards.
Analysing
Devise a theory to explain why dinosaurs became extinct. Predict how things would be different today if the dinosaurs had lived.
Evaluating
Set up a list of criteria to use in assessing at least five books about dinosaurs to determine which book is the best reference for your class. Write a paragraph summary of your conclusions. You may like to use a Decision Making Matrix to help you with your decision.
Creating
Pretend that you are a palaeontologist and have just uncovered the bones of an unknown species of dinosaur. Write a journal entry to describe when and where the bones were found, what you named the dinosaur, what the dinosaur probably looked like, and approximately how big the dinosaur was. Draw a diagram of the dinosaur.

Based on: Forte, Imogene and S. Schurr. (1997). The All-New Science Mind Stretchers: Interdisciplinary Units to Teach Science Concepts and Strengthen Thinking Skills. Cheltenham, Vic.: Hawker Brownlow.