How to Teach a Dinosaur Inquiry Unit Step by Step

Few topics grab a Grade 1 to 3 classroom quite like dinosaurs. Students who rarely raise their hand for anything else suddenly have three questions about the Tyrannosaurus Rex before you have even finished introducing the unit.

This post shows you how to run a dinosaur inquiry project using the same 5-step process from our guide to teaching inquiry-based learning, along with everything included in our Dinosaur Inquiry-Based Learning Project.

Why Dinosaurs Work So Well for Inquiry-Based Learning

Dinosaurs work well for inquiry-based learning because the topic already fascinates most young students, which makes Step 1 one of the easiest steps in the whole process.

Dinosaurs also offer:

• Built-in engagement: Few topics generate this much natural excitement from students.

• A wide range of question types: From simple facts to bigger "why" and "how" questions about extinction and fossils.

• Strong nonfiction resources: Dinosaur books and websites for kids are plentiful and easy to find at a range of reading levels.

Sample Dinosaur Inquiry Questions

Sample dinosaur inquiry questions give students who are stuck on Step 1 an easy starting point.

Try offering a few of these:

• What did my dinosaur eat?

• How big was my dinosaur?

• Why did dinosaurs go extinct?

• How do scientists know what dinosaurs looked like?

• What is the difference between a carnivore and herbivore dinosaur?

• Did my dinosaur live alone or in groups?

Once students see a few examples, invite them to choose a dinosaur and write their own question about it.

Where Can Students Research Dinosaur Facts?

Students can research dinosaur facts in nonfiction picture books, dinosaur encyclopedias, and trusted websites built for young researchers.

National Geographic Kids works well here too, and most school libraries carry a strong dinosaur nonfiction section, since it is a perennial favorite with this age group.

How Do I Run a Dinosaur Inquiry Project Step by Step?

You run a dinosaur inquiry project by walking students through the same five steps used for any inquiry topic, with dinosaur-specific questions and resources built in.

1. Pose a question: Use the sample questions above, or the sample question cards included in the full resource.

2. Conduct research: Students gather facts from books, websites, or class dinosaur resources.

3. Interpret the information: Students record key facts on the research template, choosing primary or regular lines depending on their grade level.

4. Share the learning: Students write up their findings, build a class dinosaur book, or present to the class.

5. Assess the process: Students reflect using the self-assessment, and you can use the included rubric to assess their work.

What's Included in the Dinosaur Inquiry Resource

The Dinosaur Inquiry-Based Learning Project includes bulletin board headings, inquiry posters, sample dinosaur question cards, research templates in primary and regular lines, class book templates, self-assessments, peer assessments, and rubrics.

What Teachers Are Saying

Tiffany W. said her students loved researching their questions, and just as much, loved sharing what they learned and reflecting on their own work at the end of the project.

Bringing Dinosaur Inquiry Into Your Classroom

Dinosaur inquiry works well any time of year, and it is often a reliable topic to reach for when you need a unit that will hold even your most reluctant researchers' attention.

For the full breakdown of the inquiry process, visit our guide to teaching inquiry-based learning, or head to the Dinosaur Inquiry-Based Learning Project listing to get started.

Want to try the process first? Grab our free Inquiry-Based Learning Starter Kit, which includes sample question cards and a research template. And if your class has students who need extra support, our guide to differentiating inquiry-based learning covers strategies for non-writers, reluctant writers, EAL students, and more.