The Function of Stegosaurus Plates Lecture Tutorial
This material was originally created for
On the Cutting Edge: Professional Development for Geoscience Faculty and is replicated here as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service.
Summary
This short assignment is designed for students to work in pairs after a brief lecture introducing the general topics of dinosaurs or hypotheses, or the more specific topic of Stegosaurus. Using the example of Stegosaurus plates, students learn how scientists make hypotheses about the functions of features on extinct life forms. The Lecture Tutorial can also be used in a general sense to help students understand the use of evidence in forming and evaluating hypotheses. They use the observations given to determine which hypothesis is most likely.
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Learning Goals
Students will be able to explain why the Stegosaurus has plates, and describe how we know the
function of peculiar aspects of dinosaurs. Higher-order thinking skills include critical thinking
and determining which hypothesis observations support. Working in groups is another skill students
develop.
Context for Use
This activity can be used in an introductory historical geology course or dinosaur course of any size with no special equipment necessary. Students in groups complete this 10-15 minute Lecture Tutorial worksheet after a short lecture on the topic during class. Lecture Tutorials are most effective when used frequently in a course. Read more about how to use Lecture Tutorials
Description and Teaching Materials
The Function of Stegosaurus Plates Lecture Tutorial worksheet (Acrobat (PDF) 230kB Jan13 09)
Teaching Notes and Tips
For full discussion of how to use Lecture Tutorials, please check the Lecture Tutorials Main Page
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Assessment
Lecture Tutorial worksheets are designed to help student confront their misconceptions, but
generally they are not graded. Selected questions are reviewed and answered by the instructor
during class. Rather than grade the Lecture Tutorials, exam questions covering that material can be
used as assessment.
References and Resources
For resources, please check the Lecture
Tutorials References Page