From Dinosaurs to Dragons: Exploring Earth's Processes Through Amigurumi

Earth & Space Science Grades High School 11:41 Video
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Lesson Description

Transform a dinosaur amigurumi into a dragon while learning about geological processes and how they shape Earth's features.

Video Resource

Dragon Amigurumi Tutorial | Free Crochet Pattern | Open Mouth series

Ami Amour

Duration: 11:41
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Transformation
  • Geological Processes
  • Feedback Loops

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to describe how small changes can lead to large-scale transformations.
  • Students will be able to relate the dragon's transformation to real-world geological events.
  • Students will be able to identify and explain the concept of feedback loops in both crafting and Earth systems.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by showing the students the finished dragon amigurumi. Ask them what makes it a dragon instead of a dinosaur. Introduce the concept of transformation and how small changes can create something entirely new.
  • Video Viewing (15 mins)
    Watch the 'Dragon Amigurumi Tutorial | Free Crochet Pattern | Open Mouth series' video, focusing on the wing and ear creation. Emphasize how the addition of these features transforms the base dinosaur into a dragon.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    Discuss the process of the dragon's transformation. Relate this to geological processes like plate tectonics, volcanic eruptions, and erosion. How do these processes transform the Earth's surface? How do small initial events lead to larger consequences?
  • Activity: Earth Transformation Analogies (15 mins)
    Have students brainstorm and write down analogies between crafting the dragon and Earth's geological processes. For example: 'Adding wings to a dinosaur is like a volcanic eruption adding new landmass.' Encourage creative and thoughtful comparisons.
  • Conclusion (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts: transformation, geological processes, and feedback loops. Emphasize that just as crafting a dragon involves careful steps and additions, the Earth's processes are interconnected and constantly evolving.

Interactive Exercises

  • Earth Transformation Chart
    Students create a chart comparing steps in the dragon creation to earth transformations. Column 1: Crafting Step, Column 2: Earth Process Analogy, Column 3: Result of the Step/Process

Discussion Questions

  • How does adding wings and ears change the dinosaur amigurumi into a dragon?
  • What are some examples of geological processes that transform the Earth's surface?
  • How can a small initial event, like a crack in a tectonic plate, lead to significant changes in the Earth's systems?

Skills Developed

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Analogical Reasoning

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the main concept of this lesson plan?

Correct Answer: Transformations and Geological Processes

Question 2:

Adding dragon wings to a dinosaur is analogous to what Earth process?

Correct Answer: Volcanic Eruption Adding Landmass

Question 3:

What is a key Earth Science concept explored in this lesson related to changes?

Correct Answer: Feedback Loops

Question 4:

What is the first step in making the Dragon Ear?

Correct Answer: Magic Ring

Question 5:

How many single crochet stitches are needed in the first round of the Dragon Wing?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 6:

The pattern for Round 3 of the dragon wing is 'two, one, two, one'. What does this mean?

Correct Answer: Two single crochet in one stitch, one in next stitch

Question 7:

How many single crochet stitches should you have at the end of Round 3?

Correct Answer: 18

Question 8:

The video uses what to make the wing rims?

Correct Answer: Dark Contrasting Color Yarn

Question 9:

The video compares the dragon to what to other Amigurumi creation?

Correct Answer: Dinosaur

Question 10:

What can be made to put the dragon into, according to the video?

Correct Answer: A dragon egg

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A small change, like adding wings to the dinosaur, can cause a complete _______.

Correct Answer: transformation

Question 2:

The Earth's surface is constantly changing due to _______ processes.

Correct Answer: geological

Question 3:

A _______ loop is when a change causes further changes, either positive or negative.

Correct Answer: feedback

Question 4:

The first round of the ear begins with a _______ ring.

Correct Answer: magic

Question 5:

The video has an _______ mouth amigurumi series.

Correct Answer: open

Question 6:

For rounds 5 & 6, the creator used _______ stitches

Correct Answer: 24

Question 7:

The creator used a _______ marker to mark the end of the round.

Correct Answer: stitch

Question 8:

The creator will ______ stitch across for the wing to close it.

Correct Answer: single crochet

Question 9:

The rim of the wing is created with _______ color.

Correct Answer: dark

Question 10:

The creator has more patterns on _______ if you want to support their work.

Correct Answer: Etsy

Educational Standards

ES.ESS2.1:[Standard] Develop a model to illustrate how Earth’s internal and surface processes operate at different scales of space and time to form continental and ocean-floor features. ES.ESS2.2:[Standard] Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks and interactions that cause changes to other Earth’s systems.

Teaching Materials

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