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A Real-Life Indiana Jones
Scientist and professor Xu Xing has had his share of adventures with snakes, scorpions, and spiders during his desert digs, but that has not deterred him from playing a starring role in some of the most important fossil discoveries of the last decade. Xu Xing, China’s renowned paleontologist, is enthusiastic about the discovery of the microraptor, a four-winged dinosaur: “So strange and unusual; I love this dinosaur.” Xu has discovered at least 25 new species of dinosaurs, including a birdlike dinosaur the size of a T-Rex, the Gigantoraptor erlianensis. Says Xu, “Dinosaurs remain the most important part of my life. We still do not fully understand the species we have already discovered. Going into the desert to discover new species, to explore the unknown, is the best job in the world.”
Author, Author!
Good authors plant the seeds for educational publishing companies. Every book they write inspires and invites readers. Learning A-Z, parent company of the Learning Page sister subscription websites, asks even more from authors. Learning A–Z asks its writers to connect with children at specific reading levels, create books that students want to read, and help educators teach to state standards and across curriculum areas. Visit Bob’s Blog and read about one very special author who answers the calling.
Science: Hiding in Plain Sight
Some creatures, like chameleons, can change color. Some, like tigers, use their coloring to disguise their presence. Still others, like the katydid, are shaped like something else—in this case a leaf—to hide in plain sight. Visit Science A–Z’s Science in the News for age-appropriate reports on critter camouflage, which will be featured through July 14. The free Science in the News reports compliment complete leveled science units, on subjects like adaptations, available with a subscription to the website. While you are at Science A–Z, be sure to try the free samples of the leveled science units.
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July Worksheet Set
New free worksheets are packed with summer and dinosaur fun. This month, enjoy dino-themed number cards; and activities to alphabetize dinosaurs, follow ice cream clues, and identify words in "pterodactylus."
Download three FREE printable books this month.
Readers are amazed that young pterodactyl in Can You Say Pterodactyl? doesn’t know how to pronounce his own name. Budding paleontologists can learn about prehistoric birds and how fossils are formed in Early Birds: Fossils and Feathers. And youngsters travel to another era as Tommy Meets a Dinosaur in this classic installment of the Tommy Tales serial.
Remember, Dino Days are every day with the Learning Page Dinosaur Theme set.
The Paleontology Portal
Information and resources for K-12 teachers and students: career files, a fossil guide, fossil pictures, and PaleoPeople, where kids can virtually meet working paleontologists, read about their work, and hear why dinosaurs are such a big part of their lives.
Website of the Month Archive
Fossils-facts-and-finds
Lesson plans on geologic time, earth science, and fossils; plus pictures of different fossil groups.
ABC Teach
Create a dinosaur shapebook, color a T-Rex, or unscramble words to discover dinosaurs.
Stickers and Charts
Get dinosaur stickers, stickers for the 4th of July, sports, and super-heroes.
To find thousands of teaching resources, visit Sites for Teachers. Many of the websites provide materials for free.
"Thank you for your work and dedication to make learning so pleasant for our kids. My daughter, now in high school, grew up with your pages. Oh, the fun we had each month looking over the Learning Page themes, and the enjoyment we had from sharing the learning."
—Pilar Venegas, Colombia
Tell us how you are using Learning Page materials.
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