There’s a lot more you can learn about dinosaurs. The fun of research is seeing how many different sources you can explore.
Most libraries and bookstores have lots of books about dinosaurs.
Here are some things to remember when you’re using books for research:
1. You don’t have to read the whole book.
Check the table of contents and the index to find the topics you’re interested in.
2. Write down the name of the book.
When you take notes, make sure you write down the name of the book in your notebook so you can find it again.
3. Never copy exactly from a book.
When you learn something new from a book, put it in your own words.
4. Make sure the book is nonfiction.
Some books tell make-believe stories about dinosaurs. Make-believe stories are called fiction. They’re fun to read, but not good for research.
Research books have facts and tell true stories. They are called nonfiction. A librarian or teacher can help you make sure the books you use for research are non-fiction.
Here are some good nonfiction books about dinosaurs:
• The Big Book of Dinosaurs, a DK Publishing book
• The Complete Dinosaur, Life of the Past series, edited by James O. Farlow and M. K. Brett-Surman
• The Dinosauria, edited by David B. Weishampel, Peter Dodson, and Halszka Osmólska
• Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages, by Dr. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
• First Dinosaur Encyclopedia, a DK Publishing book
• National Geographic Dinosaurs, by Paul Barrett
Many science and natural history museums have exhibits on dinosaurs. These places can help you learn more about them.
When you go to a museum:
1. Be sure to take your notebook!
Write down anything that catches your interest. Draw pictures, too!
2. Ask questions.
There are almost always people at museums who can help you find what you’re looking for.
3. Check the museum calendar.
Many museums have special events and activities just for kids!
Here are some museums with dinosaur displays:
• American Museum of Natural History (New York)
• Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Pittsburgh)
• College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum (Price)
• Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago)
• Mesalands Dinosaur Museum (Tucumcari, New Mexico)
• North Carolina Museum of Life and Science (Durham)
• Science Museum of Minnesota (St. Paul)
There are some great nonfiction DVDs about dinosaurs. As with books, make sure the DVDs you watch for research are nonfiction!
Check your library or video store for these and other nonfiction dinosaur titles:
• Dinosaur Hunters from National Geographic
• Dinosaurs Inside and Out from Discovery Channel
• Essential Dinosaur Pack from Discovery Channel
• PaleoWorld from Ambrose Video
Many websites have facts about dinosaurs. Some also have games and activities that can help make learning about dinosaurs even more fun.
Ask your teacher or your parents to help you find more websites like these:
• enchantedlearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs
• nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/dino/vr/virtu-quarry.html
• paleobiology.si.edu/dinosaurs
• ucmp.berkeley.edu/diapsids/dinosaur.html
There are some places where you can see dinosaur fossils still buried in the earth—and dinosaur hunters at work.
If you live or vacation near one of these places, check out the fossils:
• Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry (near Price, Utah)
• Dinosaur National Monument (Dinosaur, Colorado)
• Dinosaur Provincial Park (Patricia, Alberta, Canada)
• Dinosaur State Park (Rocky Hill, Connecticut)
• Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose, Texas)
Good luck!
