Dinosaur Classification Lesson Plan
Learning Objective: Pupils can classify dinosaurs by diet, period, and physical features
About this resource
This comprehensive lesson plan for Year 3 Science helps pupils classify dinosaurs based on their diet, geological period, and distinct physical features. Teachers can use this resource to deliver an engaging and informative lesson that directly supports the UK National Curriculum's emphasis on understanding and categorising living things, albeit prehistoric ones! It provides all the necessary materials and guidance to facilitate a successful and interactive learning experience.
Starter
10 minutesShow silhouettes of 6 different dinosaurs. Pupils sort them into groups — any criteria they choose. Share groupings and discuss: 'Scientists classify dinosaurs too. How do they do it?'
Main Activity
30 minutesPart 1: Classification Keys Teach three ways to classify dinosaurs:
- By diet: herbivore, carnivore, omnivore
- By period: Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous
- By hip structure: saurischian (lizard-hipped) vs ornithischian (bird-hipped)
Part 2: Sorting Activity Using dinosaur fact cards, sort 12 dinosaurs into a classification table. Record which period they lived in, what they ate, and one key feature.
Part 3: Create a Classification Key Design a yes/no classification key that can identify at least 6 dinosaurs.
Plenary
10 minutesTest each other's classification keys. Discuss: 'Why is classification important in science? How do scientists classify animals today?'
Differentiation
SEN Support
Pre-sorted categories with visual cues. Simplified fact cards. Paired sorting.
EAL Support
Visual classification chart. Key vocabulary: herbivore, carnivore, classify. Picture-based sorting.
Gifted & Talented
Research cladistics and create a more detailed classification system. Compare dinosaur classification to modern animal taxonomy.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can sort dinosaurs by diet
- Can name the three dinosaur periods
- Can create a simple classification key