+
ward
'
s
science
Page 4
What Killed the Dinosaurs? A WebQuest for Biology
Russell Hendricks, Charlotte Prep, Florida
Introduction
Today we are going to learn about a topic
that most of you love, Dinosaurs! Although we
do not learn that much about them in class, if
you become a biologist considerable time is
spent learning all about them. We will be using a
learning model called a webquest. In using this
tool, you will work in groups of three to answer
the question, What killed the dinosaurs? To solve
this mystery, you must go on a quest, back in
time to the Cretaceous Period. Be careful, hungry
velociraptors may be around any corner! You will
examine online resources to answer the ques-
tion, What killed the dinosaurs?
The Task
You and your team of paleontologists have
just been appointed by Harvard University to
determine the cause of the extinction of the
dinosaurs. The teams will research the possible
causes of the extinction event and determine which theory is most plausible. You will need to persuade the other teams and the
director of research (the teacher). Be sure to be aware of the shortcomings of the theories you did not choose.
The Process
• First, read the general resources. Then, each team member will choose one possible cause of extinction to research
(impact, volcanic, climate change). Each team member will write a brief summary including the supporting evidence.
• The teams will choose the theory that they deem most plausible.
• The teams will create a presentation in the medium of their choice. The presentation may be a powerpoint poster,
slideshow, or an actual poster. The presentation should persuade readers of the theory that the team chose, as well as
present evidence of why other theories fall short. Be sure to review the evaluation section so that your presentation meets
the necessary requirements.
• The director of research and the other teams will decide which theory is most plausible.
General Resources
https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/microsites/dino/02-dinosaur-extinction-theories/dinosaur-extinction-theories.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/extinction/dinosaurs/low_bandwidth.html
Impact Resources
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-an-asteroid-caused-extinction-of-dinosaurs.html
https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/dinosaurs-ancient-fossils/extinction/impact
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/02/new-theory-behind-asteroid-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/
Volcanic Resources
https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/dinosaurs-ancient-fossils/extinction/deccan-traps-volcanoes
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/extinction/dinosaurs/volcanism.html
https://www.science.org/content/article/did-volcanic-eruptions-help-kill-dinosaurs
Climate Change Resources
https://www.science.org/content/article/ancient-global-warming-spikes-suggest-dinosaurs-died-double-disaster
https://www.inverse.com/science/did-climate-change-wipe-out-the-dinosaurs
https://geology.ufl.edu/news/2016/what-really-killed-the-dinosaurs/
