Dinosaurs (For Big Kids)

Books

Jurassic World: Dinosaur Field Guide

If your child likes Jurassic World, this is one of the better books on the topic of dinosaurs.

See Inside: The World of Dinosaurs

The See Inside Series is always on the top of my list for elementary students. These books are lift-the-flap books that offer that tiny bit of interaction that students always seem to find exciting.

Factivity: Travel Back Through to the Land of Dinosaurs

Another series favorite, the Factivity books are essentially topic-specific informational books mixed with activity pages. I would definitely recommend getting one for each student if your kids enjoy activity books.

Games

Evolution

Evolution is a game best played with older kids who can focus on a game for around 45 minutes. My ten-year-old is just starting to feel comfortable sitting for this length of time, but your child may do so at a younger age. The goal of the game is to get the most points (food tokens) by managing the food supply of your species. If your species does not have food, or becomes food, their species can die out. Giving traits to your animals can give them a greater chance at survival. This may be in the form of more armor or collaboration with other species. Once you understand the rhythm of the game, it is generally an easy game for children that requires some thought and strategy.

Extinction

A similar, albeit much simpler game, Extinction is a card game that focuses on surviving longer than your opponents.

Grow your dinosaur through feeding and avoid getting eaten by throwing your opponent’s food source their way. A quick, fun, and simple game for those afternoons when you need something easy.

Unmatched: Dr. Sattler vs. T-Rex

Not the most scientific game, but this game definitely helps build strategy skills. Though the game is only 2 players, there are 3 characters. I would have my boys work together as Dr. Sattler and Malcolm to evade the T-Rex. This game brings literature to life as they are under pressure to avoid one of the greatest predators of all time.

Teacher Resources

The Giant Science Resource book has a ton of pages that covers a wide variety of science topics. Though I haven’t gotten the Dinosaur-specific book, the Giant Science Resource book has a few pages that cover dinosaur skeletons and flashcards. So, if you are just looking to dip your toes into many topics (plants, mammals, dinosaurs, space science, etc.) then this may be the book for your home library.

The New Answers Book 1

Since I am new to the creation vs. evolution argument, this book has been a thinker. I was brought up under the evolution stance through the public school system, and I thought it was time to hear out the other side. I would recommend this book if you are looking into what the arguments are for Creationism and how the bible has explained many topics that may not have been covered in school.

Favorite Dinosaur Fiction

Jurassic Park

We read this so you don’t have to. I would highly recommend this book for high schoolers and up. Since I was reading it as a read-aloud, I was able to skip some of the highly charged language and scary details where needed. Honestly, my boys have seen all of the Jurassic Park movies and I have to say, the book has more disturbing imagery than the movies.

Edge of Extinction

This story was significantly less graphic than Jurassic Park. In a world where dinosaurs have taken over the surface and government forces people to live underground under their rule, curious teens go I tend to do fantasy or fiction for bedtime, and Edge of Extinction was by far my kids’ favorite from this unit. The spirit and perseverance of the main characters made the story come alive. This story would make a great literature study.

Dinotopia

If you are looking for something a little more palatable for younger children, Dinotopia is the story of an incredible world that is filled with dinosaurs that have created their own society. They are able to communicate and work together. Humans that find this location learn to assimilate into the dinosaur culture and learn to contribute to their new-found society. With breathtaking illustrations and slower storytelling, the Dinotopia books make for a fabulous bedtime story.

Field Trips

Bring science to life by visiting somewhere that has dinosaurs on display. If you are located in Florida, Kentucky, or Texas there is a theme park (of sorts) called “Dinosaur World”. Life-sized dinosaurs surround you as you walk through the gardens. Locations offer different options for entertainment, so make sure you check before you go!

Alternatively, you can look for shops that sell fossils or replica skulls on display.

For those of you in Florida, St. Augustine has a shop called “Prehistoric Florida” that has fossils of prehistoric animals and replicas.

Birds

This may be a great time to introduce birds to your students! This book is beautiful exploration of the variety of birds. Jump into the theory of evolution and where the chicken comes from. 🙂