Field Trip to the Museum

Overview

• The class goes on a field trip to the museum.

Dinosaur Exhibit

• Real dinosaur display.
• Students saw different dinosaurs and learned about their behavior.
  • Imagined how dinosaurs might look doing various activities like sipping water.
• Encounter with a moving dinosaur model.
• Caution regarding dangerous situations with dinosaur models.

Technology and Dinosaurs

• Mention of modern technology like computers existing alongside dinosaur exhibits.
• Questions raised about historical accuracy (joke about Windows 95 in the Stone Age).
• Interactive exhibits demonstrating Earth's history.
  • Example: a talking model of Wall-E.

Understanding Earthquakes

• Earthquakes occur due to movement along fault lines or volcanic activity.
• Importance of not blaming the Earth.

Geological History

• 150 million years ago, New Mexico was located in the subtropics.
• Learning about the Stegosaurus:
  • Plates on its back acted as radiators for blood temperature regulation.

Brachiosaurus

• Display of a 20 ft tall front leg of a Brachiosaurus.
• Discussion about tree rings to estimate age.
• Replica of a Brachiosaur egg to showcase the size of newborn dinosaurs relative to their eventual size.

Feathered Dinosaurs

• Theropods were feathered; different feather development stages from baby to adult.
• Discussion about the link between dinosaurs and modern birds.
  • All birds descend from dinosaurs.
  • Dinosaur feathers often mistaken for plant material in fossils.

Specialized Feathers

• Birds have specialized feathers for flight, warmth, and display.
• Interactive segment encouraging display of 'feathers.'

Dinosaur Reproduction

• Display of dinosaur eggs.
• Discussion about the incubation period for dinosaur eggs.

Extinction Event

• Speculation about an impending extinction event at the museum exhibit.
• Simulation of surviving a volcanic eruption or dangerous event.
  • Mention of the "floor is lava" game.
• Encouraged to remain calm and strategize during simulations.

Conclusion

• Use of a dinosaur sound box for sound effects.
• Encouragement to continue exploring the museum exhibits.