Prehistoric fossils offer a glimpse into history.
Part of the Mesozoic Era, the Jurassic period lasted 70 million years. Jurassic school projects are popular among students because the time period gave rise to dinosaurs including the stegosaurus, brachiosaurus, plesiosaurus and archaeopteryx. The Jurassic period constitutes the middle time line of the Mesozoic era and is also commonly known as "The Age of Dinosaurs." Jurassic school projects can help students become more familiar with the plant and animal life forms that lived during this point in history.
Study the Field of Paleontology
Paleontology is the study of fossils and what they convey to us about prehistoric ecologies and the evolution of animal and humankind. Students can explore careers in paleontology, particularly as they relate to the Jurassic period. Sub-disciplines in paleontology include various fields of biology, ecology and geology. Micropaleontology is the study of microscopic fossils; paleobotany is the study of fossil plants; and taphonomy is the study of the processes of decay, preservation and the formation of fossils. The class could invite a paleontologist from a local university to speak to them about ways in which paleontologists study the Jurassic period.
Explore Flora and Fauna of the Jurassic Period
The Jurassic period was full of plant life including large ferns, a pre-historic type of palm tree called a cycad, ginkoes, bennettitaleans and conifers. Other Jurassic plant life included cypress and pines trees. Students can compare and contrast plant life from the Jurassic period with modern plant life, identifying which plants most closely resemble plants we see today.
The Bird/Dinosaur Debate
Bird-like reptiles called pterosaurs started taking to the air during the Jurassic period. Much debate abounds today as to the genetic connection between modern-day birds and dinosaurs. Students can take on a pro and con debate on the merits of whether modern-day birds evolved from dinosaurs of the Jurassic period.
Fact vs. Fiction
Movie magic makes dinosaurs spring to life on the big screen in the form of major motion pictures. The Jurassic period is perhaps one of the most famous times in prehistoric history thanks to the popularity of the blockbuster movie "Jurassic Park." Students can compare the dinosaurs featured in high-profile movies to real-life fossil records to try and determine if there are any inaccuracies in the movies with which producers took creative license.
Tags: Jurassic period, plant life, Jurassic school, Jurassic school projects, modern-day birds, school projects
