TWO KINDS OF DINOSAURSJO WIXOMINTRODUCTIONGrade Level: K-2Purpose: Students will compare two kinds of dinosaurs based upon the structure of the pelvis: bird-hipped and reptile-hipped Skills: communicating, comparing, classifying
Standards: Background: Morris was an Apatosaurus. Scientists classify dinosaurs into two major groups: those with reptile-like hips and those with bird-like hips.
MATERIALS— Dinosaur classification chart— Art supplies — Dinosaur journal sheet — Models of dinosaurs.
PROCEDURESThere are three bones in the hip area: ilium, ischium, and pubis. The following finger play will help students visualize the arrangement of these bones.
Hold your hand as shown in the diagram. The top of the hand represents the broad hip bone at
the top side of the pelvis (ilium). The index finger represents the bone in the front (pubis),
while the thumb represents the back hip bone (ischium). Hold both hands together, back to
back, so that the index fingers and thumbs are touching. This forms the pelvic girdle. The
reptile-hipped dinosaurs are represented with the thumb and index finger (ischium and pubis)
pointing in the opposite directions. The bird-hipped dinosaurs are represented with the index finger (pubis) pointing in the same direction as the thumb (ischium), which is toward the tail.
Set dinosaur models on the tables. Let the students use them to draw a reptile-hipped and a bird hipped dinosaur on their activity sheets. Draw a bird-hipped dinosaur and a reptile-hipped dinosaur. Tell why each fits in that group.
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After the students have modeled both kinds of dinosaurs with their hands, have them locate
both kinds of dinosaurs on the classification chart. Have them show you with their hands
whether the following are reptile-hipped or bird-hipped: Apatosaurus, Hadrosaurus,