I have 3 dinosaur stem activities elementary kids will love. Also, look at my page How To Homeschool Elementary Students Like A Pro.
Also, look at my post Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs.
Engage young learners with the fascinating world of dinosaurs through these three hands-on STEM activities.
They are designed to encourage scientific inquiry, technological design, engineering skills, and mathematical thinking.
Too, dinosaurs are fascinating to learn about. And learning about dinosaurs is the perfect way to learn about STEM.
And when kids get hands-on learning the results are powerful.
For instance, hands-on activities like building a model fossil or digging up a DIY excavation site make abstract ideas tangible.
Next, look at more how to homeschool elementary students tips.
HOW TO HOMESCHOOL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TIPS
- Exciting Summer Learning Activities for Elementary Students Who Love Hands-On
- How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students
- 3 Dinosaur Stem Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
- Fun Mosaic Art Lesson Plans Elementary | How To Make A Tray
- Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students
- Easy Art And Geometry Activities For Elementary Students
- Biology Science Curriculum For Elementary Students They Love & Tiger Craft
- Exciting Scavenger Hunt: Beach Theme Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
- Easy Human Body Crafts For Elementary Featuring A Tongue Project
- Best Homeschool History Curriculum Elementary: A Focus on Albert Nobel
- Easy Diorama About The Civil War For Elementary Students
- How To Create Elementary Geography Curriculum Using Living Books
- Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft
DINOSAUR BOOKS FOR KIDS
Next add some of these books to dinosaur stem activities elementary kids will love.
15 Books for Kids Crazy About Fossils and Dinosaurs
Your dinosaur loving kids will love some of these books and resources for a fun dinosaur unit study.
What is a fossil? Sometimes it's the imprint of an ancient leaf in a rock. Or it could be the skeleton of a dinosaur that has turned to stone. With clear prose and beautifully detailed illustrations, award-winning author and illustrator Aliki describes the different ways fossils are formed and what they tell us about life on Earth long ago.
This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It includes a find out more section with a glossary and activity guide so kids can create their own fossils for someone to find a million years from now.
Gail Gibbons presents the most recent and up-to-date theories about the history of dinosaurs and dinosaur discoveries. She discusses the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and the non-bird dinosaurs that lived during each time. Each dinosaur is explored in just the right amount of detail for young paleontologists, as this book brings these magnificent creatures to life again
How did those enormous dinosaur skeletons get inside the museum? Beloved author-illustrator Aliki’s simple, engaging text and colorful artwork bring the long-extinct creatures to life for young dinosaur enthusiasts.
Long ago, dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Then, suddenly, they died out. For thousands of years, no one knew these giant creatures had ever existed. Then people began finding fossils—bones and teeth and footprints that had turned to stone. Today, teams of experts work together to dig dinosaur fossils out of the ground, bone by fragile bone
A playful peek into the homes of dinosaur babies and their parents at bedtime!How do dinosaurs say good night?Brimming with humor and familiar good-night antics, here is a playful peek into the homes of dinosaur children and their parents at bedtime. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud, this is one nighttime book your own little dinosaur will want to read again and again.
A celebratory edition of this much loved classic picture book, now twenty-five years old. This rollicking rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, and the charming and colourful pictures will appeal to the very youngest dinosaur fans. Originally published in 1994, Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta and Paul Stickland is now seen as a modern classic, a book that every preschool child should have.In the back of the book is a wonderful pull-out poster showing the dinosaur characters.The book carries the endorsement of the Earth Sciences Department at the Natural History Museum.
With a lively rhyming text and vibrant paper collage illustrations, author-artist Bob Barner shakes the dust off the dinosaur bones found in museums and reminds us that they once belonged to living, breathing creatures. Filled with fun dinosaur facts (a T. Rex skull can weigh up to 750 pounds!) and an informational "Dinometer," Dinosaur Bones is sure to make young dinosaur enthusiasts roar with delight.
A long time ago there were dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails. Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Bryon Barton brings to life a unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once upon a time.
A long time ago there was dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails.Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Byron Barton brings to life unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once up ona time.
This STEM-friendly musical fossil dig will have dinosaur lovers singing along as they learn the science behind paleontology.
If you could be a dinosaur, which would you be? Would you roar like the ferocious T-Rex? Or soar overhead like the pterodactyl? In this playful early-learning book, Stella Blackstone s lyrical, rhyming text takes readers on an unforgettable Jurassic journey, while fabric artist Clare Beaton recreates the prehistoric world of dinosaurs using a colorful array of felt, sequins, beads and buttons.
I am Tyrannosaurus Rex.
I am a dinosaur,
otherwise known as
a terrible lizard.
Tyrannosaurus rex is a terrible dinosaur; of this, everyone is certain. But is this dinosaur really so terrible? He IS very big and very hungry. True, he might even eat his neighbors for lunch. But from his point of view, he can't help it. After all, he's not a vegetarian . . .
Meet George. He's strong, as a giant dinosaur should be, strong enough to wreck a plane! (Of course he thinks it's his old enemy, the flying Pteranodon.) He's loyal. He'll do anything to help Joan and Joey save their mother's ranch at Cricket Creek, even chase a bank robber. He's shy. He's so shy he gets Joan and Joey into hilarious, dinosaur sized trouble!
The classroom is decorated as Dinosaur Land, but Ms. Frizzle-inspired by an archeological dig-craves a more authentic experience. The Magic School Bus turns into a time machine and transports the class back millions of years to an adventure where they learn about dinosaurs, their habitats and diets, and even a Maiasaura nesting ground.
Fossils are one of the most important tools we have for learning about long-extinct wildlife.
A True Book: Earth Science series presents fascinating facts and fun activities that will engage the budding earth scientist, while exploring the fields of geology, meteorology, ecology, and more. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study. In the 4.6 billion years since Earth was formed, many plant and animal species have come and gone. Readers will discover how fossils are formed, how paleontologists search for them, and what kinds of information they can provide.
A box of ten fossils: A box of this paleontological fossil sample contains ten of fossils, including sea clam fossils, trilobites, ichthyodonts, porphyrites, copal amber, graptolites, nematodes, phylloceras, corals, and spirals. Fossil specimen of algae.
Step into Prehistory: This Toob contains 10 expertly hand-painted mini figurines of ancient fossils, including a Dinosaur Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, Fossilized Frog, Trilobite, T-Rex Tooth, Fossilized Fish, Dinosaur Skin, and a Sea Scorpion.
Kids learn best when they can touch, build, and experiment. Hands-on STEM activities allow them to see cause and effect in real time.
DINOSAUR STEM ACTIVITIES ELEMENTARY KIDS WILL LOVE
Now, look at these stem activities for elementary kids.
1. DINOSAUR FOSSIL DIG: UNEARTHING THE PAST
This activity introduces the basics of paleontology and the process of fossil discovery.
You will need:
- Large container or designated area filled with sand or soil
- Small plastic dinosaur skeletons or individual dinosaur bones
- Brushes of different sizes (soft paint brushes, small cleaning brushes)
- Magnifying glass
- Small shovels or spoons
- Small containers or trays for sorting discovered fossils
- Optional: Small informational (flashcards) for different types of dinosaurs
Begin by discussing what fossils are and how paleontologists discover them. Show pictures or videos of real fossil digs to generate excitement.
Fill the sensory bin with material to create different layers of soil with sand, potting soil, small pebbles, etc.
Bury the plastic dinosaur fossils in the sand or soil, ensuring they are hidden at various depths.
Provide your child with brushes, magnifying glasses, and optional small digging tools. Instruct them to carefully excavate the “fossils” as if they were real archaeological finds.
Emphasize the importance of gentle brushing to avoid damaging the specimens.
Once a fossil is unearthed, encourage the children to examine it closely using their magnifying glasses.
Have them describe its shape, size, and any other notable features. If using informational cards, guide them in trying to identify the type of dinosaur the fossil might belong to.
For older children, provide notebooks or paper for the children to draw their discoveries and record any observations, such as the location where the fossil was found (if you created layers), its size, and any initial thoughts about what type of dinosaur it might be.
Discussion Questions:
- Where did you find your fossils? Were some deeper than others?
- What tools were most helpful for the excavation? Why?
- What different types of dinosaurs (or bones) did we find?
- What can we learn about dinosaurs from their fossils?
- How is this activity similar to what real paleontologists do?
STEM Connections:
- Science: Paleontology, fossils, adaptation, extinction, Earth’s history.
- Technology: Tools used in excavation (real and simulated).
- Engineering: Planning the excavation strategy, designing tools (if extended).
- Mathematics: Measurement (size of fossils), counting the number of different fossils found.
Extension Activities:
- Discuss the timeline of dinosaurs and different geological periods.
- Research different types of fossils and how they are formed.
- Create a display of the “discovered” fossils with labels.
2. DINOSAUR FOOTPRINT MEASUREMENT: TRACKS THROUGH TIME
This activity focuses on measurement, comparison, and drawing inferences from evidence, similar to how scientists study trace fossils like footprints.
Objective: To develop measurement skills, compare sizes, and understand how footprints can provide information about the size and movement of dinosaurs.
You will need:
- Construction paper
- Markers or paint to draw dinosaur footprints of various sizes and shapes (consider different types of dinosaurs like a large sauropod, a three-toed theropod, etc.)
- Rulers
- Non-standard measuring tools (e.g., blocks, toy dinosaurs)
- Notebooks or paper and pencils for recording measurements
- Optional: Pictures or diagrams of real dinosaur footprints
First, create a variety of dinosaur footprints on paper or cardboard. Ensure there are differences in size and shape to encourage comparison.
Cut out footprints.
Discuss how scientists study dinosaur footprints (trace fossils) to learn about how dinosaurs moved, their size, and even their behavior. Show pictures of real dinosaur tracks.
Provide rulers, measuring tapes, and non-standard measuring tools. Instruct them to measure the length and width of each footprint. Encourage them to use both standard and non-standard units.
You can also have your child order them from largest to smallest.
Have the child record their measurements in their notebooks or on the provided paper, noting which footprint they are measuring. Encourage them to label the footprints (e.g., Footprint A, Footprint B) or guess which dinosaur might have made it.
Discussion Questions:
- Which footprint is the longest? Shortest? Widest? Narrowest?
- How do the measurements compare when using different units (standard vs. non-standard)?
- Can we order the footprints from smallest to largest based on our measurements?
- What might the size of a footprint tell us about the size of the dinosaur?
- Do the shapes of the footprints look different? What might this suggest about the type of dinosaur? (e.g., three-toed vs. oval)
Extension Activity:
- Have the children measure their own footprints and compare them to the dinosaur footprints.
- Create a life-size dinosaur footprint using chalk outside and have the children measure it.
- Discuss how scientists use trackways (multiple footprints in a sequence) to learn about dinosaur speed and behavior.
STEM Connections:
- Science: Paleontology, trace fossils, animal movement, adaptation.
- Technology: Measurement tools.
- Engineering: Designing ways to accurately measure irregular shapes.
- Mathematics: Measurement (length, width), comparison, data recording, estimation, units of measurement.
Finally, look at this last hands-on activity.
3. BUILDING A DINOSAUR HABITAT: ENGINEERING FOR SURVIVAL
This activity challenges children to think like engineers as they design and build a suitable environment for a dinosaur, considering its needs for survival.
You will need:
- Building blocks (various sizes and types)
- Play Doh or modeling clay
- Natural materials (rocks, twigs, leaves, small plants, moss)
- Small toy dinosaurs (representing different types with varying needs – herbivore, carnivore, aquatic, flying if applicable)
- Shallow containers for “water sources”
- Optional: Construction paper or fabric for creating different terrain
First, begin by discussing the basic needs of living things: food, water, and shelter.
Talk about how different dinosaurs had different diets and lived in various environments. Show pictures of different dinosaur habitats (forests, swamps, plains).
Assign your child a specific type of dinosaur to build a habitat for. Provide some basic information about its diet and potential environment.
Encourage the children to plan their dinosaur habitat before building.
Ask them questions like:
- What does your dinosaur eat? How will you provide food?
- Does your dinosaur need water? Where will the water source be?
- What kind of shelter does your dinosaur need? (e.g., shade, protection from predators, a nest)
- What kind of terrain would be suitable for your dinosaur?
Provide the building materials and allow the children to construct their dinosaur habitats based on their plans. Encourage creativity and problem-solving.
Once the habitats are complete, have each child or group present their creation. Ask them to explain why they designed their habitat in a particular way and how it meets the needs of their dinosaur.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think your dinosaur would survive in this habitat? Why or why not?
- What challenges did you face while building? How did you solve them?
- How could you improve your habitat?
STEM Connections:
- Science: Dinosaur diets and habitats, ecosystems, survival needs.
- Technology: Tools and materials used for building.
- Engineering: Design process (planning, building, testing, improving), problem-solving, structural design.
- Mathematics: Spatial reasoning, size and scale (relative to the toy dinosaurs).
Extension Activities:
- Discuss the concept of extinction and how changes in habitat can affect survival.
- Research the specific needs of different dinosaurs.
- Create food sources for the dinosaurs using playdough or other materials.
MORE DINOSAUR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
- How to Make T.Rex & Stegosaurus Dinosaurs Easy LEGO Builds For Kids
- Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids
- Make Fun Edible Fossils and Free Magic School Bus Fossils Worksheet
- Geronimo Stilton The Journey Through Time Fun Easy No Sew Dinosaur Mat
- Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)
