Today is national science fiction day and we’re doing a science fiction for middle school fun Jurassic Park unit study. You can find more about fossils on my Amber – Freezing Gold Lapbook and Unit Study and for tips on homeschool middle school.
Besides science and suspense make for a fun unit study.
And we’re science fiction lovers here whether it’s Dr. Who, Star Trek or Battlestar Galactica, remember that?
In addition, a science fiction unit study unlike a fantasy study delves into the possibilities of what if and may not stay in the realm of imagination like fantasy.
One more thing, most of my unit studies I create for multiple ages and still target one age group.
So, although this is targeted toward middle school, I have activities for all ages since we learn together.
Because science fiction is a mix of science and what can be possible in the future, it makes for a fun day of learning or is that bantering with middle schoolers?
First, look at the topics that can be covered in a Jurassic Park unit study and then I have some hands-ideas and resources below.
15 Jurassic Park Unit Study Topic Ideas
And whether you choose to read the book or watch the fun movies, you’ll have different topics.
For example, here are 15 topics to study while watching or reading Jurassic Park.
- Can you clone dinosaurs from fossilized mosquitoes in amber?
- Too, what is cloning and what are scientist so fascinated by the topic and why the controversy?
- Understand about dinosaurs and their behavior.
- And dive deep into understanding velociraptors and pterodactyl
- Explain biotechnology and the pros and cons.
- How is DNA recovered and what is DNA?
- What is fragmented DNA?
- How do amphibians reproduce?
- Describe the geography of the island and the types of trees and plants on the island.
- Learn what is amber and how it’s formed.
- Discuss different scientific theories. For instance, chaos theory, gene theory, and Darwinian theory. This leads to a great discussion of adding your world view.
- Investigate about Steve Spielberg and what it means to be a successful director and producer.
- How to explain what is a fossil?
- Focus on how organisms are classified.
- Define what is a paleontologist and how they work.
Next, here is some information about the study of dinosaurs.
Facts and Resources about Dinosaurs
Moreover, talking about dinosaurs gives you time to share your worldview and to separate what is fact from fiction.
And that is what makes it fun to teach this unit study because some questions may just be unanswered.
- What Color Were Dinosaurs YouTube
- A Brief History of Geologic Time YouTube
- Are Birds Dinosaurs YouTube
- Dinosaurs of Antarctica Education Guide 121 page
- Wyoming Dinosaur. Lots of great activities and printables.
- Fossils and Dinosaurs
- American Museum Of Natural History has fun Lessons Plans and Ideas
- Dinosaur Lesson Plans
- Dinosaurs are Real 4 page lesson plan from Smithsonian
- Dinosaurs are for the Birds lesson plan
- Dinosaur Detectives
In addition, look at some hands-on ideas about dinosaurs.
- 8+ Super Fun Dinosaur STEM Activities for Kids
- Fun Dinosaur Activities Printable
- Dinosaur Printables for Kids
- Make a GIANT dinosaur out of toilet paper rolls
- Create Wearable Dino Feet
- How to Make Dinosaur Fossils
- Dinosaur Matching Puzzle
- Homemade Dinosaur Bones
And here are some hands-on ideas for science.
Or science fiction for middle school kids.
Hands-on Ideas for Science and Science Fiction for Middle School
- Do my Amber – Freezing Gold Lapbook and Unit Study.
- Change the climate of a planet so it can be inhabited
- Make Dinosaur Fossils
- How To Study Human Anatomy For Science:Build An Edible DNA Model
- Strawberry DNA Extraction
- Build a Dino STEM Activity
- DIY Dino Egg Soap
- Attack of the Killer Cabbage Clones
- How to make a Velociraptor model from paper mache and bubble wrap.
- 11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers
Further, look at these fun resources to add to your Jurassic Park Unit Study.
10 Jurassic Park Unit Study Resources
Add one or more of these fun resources to your study to bring it to life.
Featuring explosive, pop-off-the-page depictions of the Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, and other prehistoric favorites, this deluxe pop-up book traces the evolution of the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World sagas across three decades of major motion pictures. Presented in a dynamic 360-degree format that allows fans to view and participate in the action from all sides, Jurassic World: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book also includes interactive pull-tabs and hidden surprises.
HD. Steven Spielberg brings dinosaurs to stunning life in this thriller about an island theme park where the star attractions go on a rampage.
Jurassic World Magnetic Activity Book Set - Jurassic World Bundle with Interactive Reference Book and Jurassic Park Stickers for Kids, Boys, Girls (T-Rex Dinosaur Activity Book). This activity book bundle comes with 1 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Meet the Dinosaurs magnetic fun activity book with 10 pages and magnetic dinosaur figures. Each page of this Jurassic World dinosaur reference book contains fun facts about all your favorite dinosaurs and features magnetic play scenes, perfect for placing your dinosaur magnets on the page to create fun scenarios
This book features forty-five original, line-art images depicting the lush environments and heart-racing action from the hit film, including all of your favorite dinosaurs, the Indoraptor, Baryonyx,
Stygimoloch, and fan favorites T. Rex, Mosasaurus, and Blue, for you to color however you wish!
Dinosaur Field Guide, written by two noted paleontologists and illustrated in big bold colors, is a
kid-friendly nonfiction guide that uses simple text to describe over 100 dinosaurs! Kids will learn tons of awesome facts about the most well-known dinosaurs and some of the newest discoveries.
Designed to look like an in-world souvenir sold at the park, this colorful cookbook features approachable at-home recipes for treats and dishes that celebrate the different regions of the iconic park and the miraculous dinosaurs that live there
Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics for children who are ready to read on their own.
3 KINDS OF DIFFERENT DIGGING FUN: 1. Dinosaur head fossil: Child can excavate 5 real dinosaur fossils including 2 tyrannosaurus tooth, 1 tyrannosaurus claw & 2 lava stones! 2. The dinosaur bones inside Brick can assemble 3D T-rex skeleton. 3. 6 pieces Dino Eggs Dig Kit & discover 6 unique dinosaur designs. Feel like a real paleontologist excavating up unique toy dinosaurs from 3 digging
styles.
13-17 Inches 6 Pcs Jumbo Dinosaur Set includes the following mighty dinosaurs: T-Rex, Pterodactyl,
Triceratops, Brachiosaurus,Giganotosaurus and Velociraptor Blue . This jumbo dinosaur set includes realistic, colorful dinosaur figures that are durable and made from high-quality material.
EDUCATIONAL DINOSAUR FIGURES:Kids will Enjoy Hours of Imaginative Play with These Jumbo Realistic-looking Dinosaurs!Fun and Educational for Both Boys and Girls Alike.Just Right for a School / Dinosaur Science Project or Report.
Now let’s try creating our own insect in amber for an amazing hands-on activity and keepsake from this exciting unit study.
DIY Insect In Amber Activity
You can make a pendant to be worn or a ball of amber to display.
This is a very fun activity that will interest older kids who may have done fossil impressions one too many times and would like something that is more of a challenge and not babyish.
Supplies Needed: You will need epoxy resin and supplies.
After quite a bit of research this kit seemed to offer the best combination of variety, price, and reviews.
It was very easy to work with and included everything a beginner needs to get started with epoxy including gloves and a silicone mat to protect your surfaces.
First, create a small insect from craft clay, we attempted a mosquito.
But it came out looking a bit more like a fly and that’s okay.
DIY Insect In Amber Activity
We are not going for perfection with our kiddos. If you prefer you can grab some small plastic insects to use.
Mix epoxy resin parts A and B according to directions.
From what I can tell they pretty much all call for equal parts A and B but from a lot of comments and research the general buzz is to add slightly more B (hardener) to get better results.
Add a small amount of the mica powder to the mixed resin.
Then, use a toothpick to add a tiny dot or two of yellow and maybe a bit of a rusty red color to get close to an amber shade.
You will be able to see from the final images that we went a little too dark on our first attempt.
So, you want it to be mostly translucent and remember you can always add more color but not subtract it.
Pour a very thin layer of resin in the bottom of your silicone mold and then place your insect in the bottom.
Carefully pour resin mixture over it to fill it to the top of mold.
The kit I linked is self-leveling and the air bubbles will come out on their own.
However, if you are using a different type, follow manufacturer directions.
Place the mold on a hard flat surface and leave it undisturbed for 24 hours until completely hardened.
Gently unmold your creations and marvel at how perfectly preserved your “specimen” is.
If you made a pendant now is the time to make a necklace by stringing elastic cord, fishing wire, or other thin fiber through the hole.
Otherwise, your insect in amber is ready to put on display.
We may have gotten a little carried away, making pendants preserving feathers and dried flowers as well.
