Changing Scientific Knowledge
Evaluate competing scientific explanations about dinosaurs by weighing fossil evidence — understanding that scientific knowledge changes as new fossils are discovered and new methods of analysis are developed
Typical age: 9–11 years
“If your child read two different explanations for why dinosaurs went extinct, could they discuss what evidence supports each idea and why scientists sometimes change their minds?”
0 / 3 mastered
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Needs first
- Evidence Supporting Ideas
Curriculum skill of evaluating scientific evidence supports evaluating competing dinosaur explanations
- How Palaeontologists Work
Evaluating competing scientific explanations about dinosaurs requires understanding how palaeontologists gather and interpret evidence in the field and lab — methodology underpins evidence evaluation
- Palaeoart & Speculation
Evaluating competing scientific explanations is enriched by understanding how palaeoart works — students who know that dinosaur reconstructions involve informed speculation can better distinguish evidence from interpretation
- Dinosaurs Around the World
Evaluating competing scientific explanations about dinosaurs is enriched by knowing about the global distribution of dinosaur species and how continental evidence informs competing theories
- The K-Pg Extinction Event
The extinction debate is a key example of evaluating competing explanations
- Birds Evolved from Dinosaurs
The bird-dinosaur connection is an example of scientific knowledge evolving with new evidence