TLHP Year 2: How can we prove dinosaurs existed?
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A Half-Term of Dinosaur Discoveries!
We have had an incredibly busy and exciting half-term in Year 2, exploring the world of palaeontology through our learning question: “How can we prove dinosaurs existed?” Our studies focused on the remarkable Mary Anning, one of history’s greatest fossil hunters, whose discoveries revealed a prehistoric world filled with fascinating creatures.
One of the highlights of this term was our Dino Day workshop, where we took part in a range of thrilling activities, including fossil hunting and examining ancient specimens—some over a million years old! The most exciting part of the day was digging for fossils in our very own school digging pit. This immersive experience allowed us to step into the shoes of real-life palaeontologists and apply our newfound knowledge of fossils. It also provided an engaging stimulus for our recount writing in English lessons.
Our learning was further enriched by exploring museum artefacts, which helped us understand the tools used in palaeontology. We were fascinated by how different they were from the objects we use in our daily lives, sparking curiosity about their purpose and significance.
We were also fortunate to visit the Natural History Museum in London, where we delved deeper into the world of dinosaurs. A major focus of our visit was the Stegosaurus and the fascinating process of fossil discovery. Working collaboratively, we pieced together a ‘Stego-jigsaw-rus’, learning how scientists reconstruct fossilized remains. In groups, we explored different aspects of the Stegosaurus’s anatomy, including its head, plates, and spikes. This trip gave us a greater appreciation of how museum science continues to reveal new insights into the appearance and lives of dinosaurs.
As part of our High Stakes Project, we proudly hosted an exhibition to showcase our learning to other year groups. We also shared our DT project, where we designed, created, and evaluated our own moving monsters! We carefully considered the key features and materials needed, demonstrating our creativity and problem-solving skills.This half-term has been a fantastic journey through time, filled with hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences. Well done, Year 2—we can’t wait to see what exciting discoveries await us next term!