This Week – Begin [suggested dates]

Start with [Weekly Quiz 3a]

Hey all! This week, we will be working in groups. I know this can be challenging given our varying distance and time commitments, but let’s give it a try! First, check out which group you are in by clicking on People in the menu on the left. Then click on Dinosaur Metabolism group and see which one you are in. You can then “Visit the Group Homepage” to see where and how you will interact with your group. Keep in mind that you will have to connect with your group early in the week, ask each other questions and exchange information midweek, and then produce a final product by the end of the week. In addition to that task this week, you will  need to get the background information through the lecture videos below.

I would suggest that at the beginning of the week [suggest dates] you identify what each group member will do, and identify a means you will use to communicate. If you want you can set up video chat through the Conferences option in the left-hand menu. You can also use the Discussion or Collaboration options.

Midweek [suggest dates] you should all have read and discussed the paper with other members of your group (or at least clarified questions or points of interest through something like a discussion board). You should have a plan of how you will work together to identify the questions, shoot, and post a video as its own thread through the discussion board: [LINK Discussion Board Dinosaur Metabolism]

The videos are due by [insert date] (around noon) you need to shoot and post the video on Flipgrid on behalf of your group. At the beginning of next week you will all individually view and comment on videos on the discussion board: [LINK Discussion Board Dinosaur Metabolism]

I will grade group-work participation through viewing your discussion boards and information exchange and (possibly) an anonymous survey of your group members.

On your own (each person) should view the videos between Friday night and Sunday, comment on 2 videos then complete the Complete your assessment on the survey here: [LINK Dinosaur Metabolism]

If you have ANY QUESTIONS please contact Dr. B.

What is Metabolism?

Let’s put this argument to the test this week! When I was a kid, dinosaurs did not have feathers. It was also certain if they were warm-blooded or cold-blooded. We now have a bit more evidence to go off of, so let’s heat things up (or cool them down . . . depending on which side of the argument you are on).

So, you can find the Notes with Gaps for this week and Power Point here. What are some ways that animals fuel their bodies? Watch the videos below on how reptiles and birds regulate their body temperatures. Let’s find out!

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQ1Y7TMLx6IzkQEx013tXatU1S9i74s914wgxPLmWfARHkgyivOfZP56F37kJIswHZc_GndW32tzB1A/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

How to Read a Scientific Article

To dive into the dinosaur literature in the most efficient way possible we will be splitting up into groups, reading a scientific paper, and reporting our findings. Before we get that far, let’s review how to interpret a scientific article. Check out the video below:

Group Readings

To find your group assignment go to People>Groups>Dinosaur Metabolism. Once you have done that you can communicate with your group on your personal group page by clicking on the appropriate link below. You can post to the message board to communicate who reports on each question. Then post your video of your reading findings to [LINK Discussion Board Dinosaur Metabolism] and comment on 2 other groups’ video. Each group only needs one video but you can post in parts if needed, just make sure the labeling is clear (include part 1 of 2, or whatever, in the video title).

1. Sauropod Gigantism [LINK to group]
2. T-rex Skull Morphology [LINK to group]
3. Evidence for Mesothermy [LINK to group]
4. Shortfalls of Mesothermy [LINK to group]
5. Biomechanics [LINK to group]

After your group has met or exchanged information, create a Flipgrid video with your findings. Once everyone has posted, review the videos and comment on at least 2 videos (with a response video). You will be graded on your group participation [LINK Dinosaur Metabolism Group Work] and your reading findings here: [LINK Discussion Board Dinosaur Metabolism].

Review All Groups on Discussion Board

Make sure you have gone to the discussion board and commented on at least 2 videos. What is your conclusion about how dinosaurs regulated their body temperature? Complete your assessment on the survey here: [LINK Dinosaur Metabolism]

After you are done, complete the [LINK Weekly Quiz 3b]

Wrap up!

Complete the following exercises this week: 

1. [LINK Weekly Quiz 3a]
2. Reading Activity – People>Groups>Dinosaur Metabolism [LINK Dinosaur Metabolism Group Work]
   • Video of your reading findings [LINK Discussion Board Dinosaur Metabolism]
   • Reply to 2 posted videos and complete [LINK to Dinosaur Metabolism]
3. [Weekly Quiz 3b]