Each group will research a paleontologist to study in-depth and present an oral report to the class. Following are paleontologists who have made significant discoveries. If students are familiar with paleontologists, they may want to choose one from this list or from their own research. For example, with accurate carbon-14 dating, scientists can place the bones correctly in the geological time span. With CAT-scan technology, they can see inside fossilized dinosaur skulls.
Computers can now create virtual dinosaurs that show scientists how the giant beasts once moved.
The examination of fossilized dinosaur dung, called coprolite, can give scientists an idea of what dinosaurs ate. Encourage students to include maps of where the fieldwork took place and drawings of the scientists' major discoveries. Reading Between the Bones. Franklin Watts, 1997. Have groups present their findings to the class in the first person, taking on the persona of their selected paleontologists.