CATEGORY: 5-6

Dating Dinosaurs

Course Access: Lifetime
Course Overview

‘Dating Dinosaurs’ uncovers the secrets hidden in fossils. Meet some engaging Australian palaeontologists digging in the field for clues to the wondrous Australian dinosaurs who left their tracks in time during the Cretaceous Period.  In this course, students explore the relevance of fossils to palaeontology and characteristics of Australia’s dinosaurs from the Cretaceous Period.  Meet some of the prominent scientists who work in the field and share their insights into the study of palaeontology.

Background information:

This course contains a series of interactive activities and short videos.  Students have direct access to expert Palaeontologists who share fascinating discoveries. They will demonstrate and check their understanding through a series of online quizzes.

Year Level: 5 – 6

Prior knowledge:

No prior knowledge is assumed.

Course Connections:

Does this course link to other Ecolinc programs? 

This course is an ideal extension to the following on-site program:

This course is an ideal extension to the following online course:

Learning intentions:

  1. Students will be able to explain the process by which fossils are formed.
  2. Students will understand the role of the Paleontologist in scientific endeavor.
  3. Students will investigate the geological features of the Cretaceous period.
  4. Students will be able to predict the impact of geological features on living things.

Estimated Duration: 60 minutes

Victorian Curriculum:

Science – Biological Sciences

  • Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074)

Science – Earth and Space Sciences

  • Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth’s surface (VCSSU079)

Course Creator

Jo Tate

Image: Australian Geographic: Australovenator attacks a young Diamantinasaurus. (Artist: Xing Lida)