Inspired by: How Dinosaurs Really Work - Week 3

Students in this engaging lesson are tasked with exploring the intriguing subject of dinosaur extinction. They learn to differentiate between facts, which are statements that can be substantiated, and opinions, which are personal beliefs or judgments that cannot be objectively proven. The activity presents various theories behind the extinction of dinosaurs, such as the impact of a meteor, climate change, the spread of new diseases, and the evolution of other species. Pupils are challenged to categorize given sentences as either fact or opinion and then practice rewriting these statements to clearly convey their factual or opinion-based nature. Further, they are encouraged to work in pairs to dissect a passage on dinosaur extinction theories, identifying which parts are factual and which are speculative.

Building on this analysis, students are invited to craft their own theories on why dinosaurs became extinct, using evidence from their research. They will develop an oral presentation to articulate their views, ensuring clarity and cohesion through a variety of linguistic devices such as repetition, synonyms, pronouns, and transitional words. This exercise not only promotes critical thinking but also hones their presentation skills. Additionally, the lesson introduces the use of modal verbs and adverbs to express degrees of possibility, encouraging students to pose thoughtful questions that challenge the presented theories and deepen their understanding of the topic.