Two years later, as I look back on the experience, I realize that it was both the most challenging and the most rewarding unit of instruction I have ever led. Because I was only a second-year teacher at the time, I did not immediately see why my students achieved at a level never before reached. As I have gained experience in the classroom and knowledge about the psychology of learning, I have come to understand why this unit was so engaging and productive. I believe three qualities made it successful. A compelling idea .
Dinosaurs are a funny subject.
First graders think they are interesting because of their sheer size and their resemblance to monsters that surely exist in their closets or under their beds. Upper elementary and middle school students often want nothing to do with dinosaurs because they associate them with childish learning. During this time of uncom-fortable adolescence, talking about, thinking about, or being interested in dinosaurs is not cool. But something happens in high school. Students either develop enough self-confidence or gain enough wisdom to be able to look back on dinosaurs with renewed interest and excitement.