How Teachers Use Dinosaur Figures To Spark STEM Learning
In the classroom, teachers draw upon a varied toolbox to help students learn, and sometimes the least expected tools spark the most curiosity. Dinosaur action figures are toys in one sense, but teaching aids in another, since they give the child something physical to examine. Rather than look at pictures of dinosaurs in a textbook or on the internet, they can touch and inspect the figure.
Including dinosaur action figures in lessons allows teachers to bring abstract topics to life, nurture curiosity, and open the door to hands-on education. Discover how to use dinosaur figures to spark STEM learning and make it memorable.
Science
As you explore the Mesozoic era, you can discuss the anatomy of different dinosaur species as well as their habitats and diets. Instead of just reading about how a T. rex was an apex predator that feasted on herbivores, you can demonstrate it with fully articulated figures. Show students the size differences, compare teeth and claws, and encourage conversations about food chains.
Moreover, you can have students examine different dinosaur action figures and then form a hypothesis on what the species ate and how it defended itself. They will base their assumptions on the anatomy of the figure, paying attention to key areas such as the claws and teeth.
Technology
You can also use dinosaur figures to spark STEM interest in your classroom by focusing on technology. Have students use the dinosaur action figures to create stop-motion animations or short films that demonstrate the beast’s typical day. Creating videos helps your students practice digital skills, such as sequencing, editing, and storytelling.
If you teach older students, they could use the figure as a reference for a 3D modeling project. By analyzing the figure’s shape and proportions, your class can create a digital model of it for a presentation.
Engineering
Dinosaur figures can spark exciting engineering projects, such as dioramas. Assign your class to create a miniature ecosystem with a shelter for the dinosaur to “live” in; they should base this on scientific research. Students can further experiment by altering the terrain to add topographical features such as hills, forests, and rivers to see how they impact design.
Have students log their trial-and-error process as well, noting why some design plans didn’t work. For example, a dinosaur habitat with an elevated shelter may not be the best design for heavy species like Triceratops. Reviewing students’ diorama-building experiments as a class encourages teamwork and active listening skills too.
Math
Mathematics is another essential component of STEM that becomes more fun with dinosaurs. If you have younger students, you can study natural angles of the animal: measure the angle of a Triceratops’ horns.
You can also use dinosaur action figures to discuss and compare measurements. Ask your students how much larger a Utahraptor was than a Velociraptor by noting the weights, heights, and lengths of both and comparing.
Get Realistic Figures
Creative Beast Studio’s Beasts of the Mesozoic Ceratopsian series has the perfect action figures for your classroom. We offer a range of options for you to choose from, enabling you to select the ideal learning tools for your students. Make learning fun with accurate dinosaur figures!
