Dinosaur Month in Genius Numbers: Meet Author Michael Crichton and Experiment with Hatching Eggs
Genius content refreshes every month! This month, dino-“soar” through games, Geniuses, and activities involving these awesome prehistoric creatures.
We’ve compiled limited-time game updates, real-life genius stories, and educator-approved activities into interactive printables, designed to enhance your kids’ learning. Access this week’s printable by clicking the button below:
Game Update
Check out Osmo Numbers for a limited-time “trip” to the Yellow Sea. Here, you’re near the Chinese province where over 40 dinosaur species’ fossils have been discovered.
Genius Spotlight: Michael Crichton
In 1993, a famous movie called Jurassic Park premiered. In the movie, dinosaurs are re-created using modern technology. A theme park is being built to showcase these “new” creatures, which seems super cool—until the dinosaurs escape!
Jurassic Park was based on a 448-page book by Michael Crichton. Before becoming an author, Michael went to medical school. This experience came in handy for writing many of his science-related books. For example, Michael studied dinosaurs extensively before writing Jurassic Park.
The Jurassic Park movie-making process involved lots of research, too. A whole team was hired to create full-size dinosaur replicas that could move. It was as though real dinosaurs were on the movie set!
The popularity of Jurassic Park led to more movies (like Jurassic World), video games, comic books, and water rides throughout the world. It even made some people decide to study dinosaurs in real life. Michael’s book influenced much of how the world thinks about dinosaurs today!
Real-World Activity: Hatching Eggs Experiment
Try this educator-approved activity at home. This week’s printable (button above) has instructions with photos!
Warning: hatching dinosaurs ahead! Be careful with the food coloring and fizzing vinegar…wear gloves and goggles to avoid any staining or stinging.
Materials needed:
- ¼ cup water, in a measuring cup
- 1 cup baking soda, in a medium-sized bowl
- White vinegar
- Food coloring
- Large plate
- Spoon or dropper
- Small plastic dinosaur (or other figurine toys)
Instructions:
- Drop some food coloring into the water.
- Slowly add the water to the bowl of baking soda, mixing with your hands until a soft dough/paste forms.
- Mold a small amount of dough around each toy in the shape of an egg.
- Place your “eggs” on a plate to dry. Keep in the freezer for an hour or so, until the eggs are hard.
- Use a spoon or dropper to add vinegar to the eggs.
- Enjoy watching as they fizz open!
