Dinkum Dinosaurs
Discover the wondrous Australian dinosaurs who left their tracks in time during the Cretaceous Period which spanned 79 million years from the end of the Jurassic Period 145 million years ago (mya) to the beginning of the Paleogene Period 66 (mya). In this course, students explore the geological history and features of Australia’s Cretaceous Period.
Background information:
This prior-learning activity will build student interest and understanding before participating in the on-site program by focusing squarely on the Cretaceous period. A series of inter-activities and short videos provide students with access to expert Palaeontologists sharing fascinating discoveries. Students will demonstrate and check their understanding through a series of online quizzes.
Year Level: 5 – 6
Prior knowledge:
Students may already have participated in the Year 3 & 4 Ecolinc on-site program, Digging up the Diprotodon which would be beneficial but no prior knowledge is needed for this course.
Course Connections:
Does this course link to other Ecolinc programs?
This course is an ideal introduction to the following on-site program:
This course can also stand alone as a learning experience.
Learning intentions:
- Students will be able to explain the impact of tectonic plate movement
- Students will investigate the geological features of the Cretaceous period
- Students will be able to predict the impact of geological features on living things
Estimated Duration: 60 minutes
Victorian Curriculum:
Science – Earth and space sciences
- Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth’s surface (VCSSU079)
Science – Biological Sciences
- Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074)
Course Creator: Jo Tate
(Image: Kunbarrasaurus, the dinosaur formerly known as Minmi. Image Credit: Australian Geographic)
