https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-do-dinosaurs-get-their-names

https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/How-Did-Dinosaurs-Become-Extinct

Passages to be used to supplement this unit and provide reading practice and ELA skills.

The “Try it out” section is great for students to extend their understanding and foster research skills.

It’s a terrific way to bring paleontology into the classroom affordably and meaningfully, helping students see how scientists use physical clues to learn about Earth’s history.

It invites students to think beyond bones—showing imprint fossils, preserved plants, and more—which helps broaden their understanding and curiosity.

Great introduction before doing some hands on exploration with fossils (see above ideas).

Includes student and teacher graphic organizers for seasonal weather, anchor charts on weather vs. climate, and mini-lessons on recognizing patterns and analyzing quantitative data.

I am thinking of taking the "Finding a Field Day" Assessment and growing that into something around a Balloon or Kite Festival in town for the kids to plan!

The animation illustrates how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are formed, broken down by heat, pressure, weathering, and erosion, all as part of a dynamic “web” rather than a straight cycle.

Great to connect back to the 3rd grade fossil work - Students can see where we find fossils—mainly in sedimentary rocks that form from compacted layers of sand, mud, or organic material.

Anchors learning with real-world visuals and vocabulary, facilitating deeper understanding and retention.

Builds data literacy as students interpret average monthly data and recognize weather patterns over time.