Rocks and Fossils activity 7: Create a life-size model of Acanthopholis Horridus Huxley

Overview
Folkestone’s very own armoured dinosaur, Acanthophilus Horridus Huxley, grew up to 5 metres long - the length of an average living room!

The children research its discovery, its fossils, what it looked like, and how it lived. They then work as a team to create a 2D or 3D life-size model, using cardboard and other recycled materials.

They can even re-create the kind of event highlighted in Rocks and Fossils 1 by hosting a special dinosaur dinner party inside it!

Learning Objectives

Increased knowledge and understanding of Folkestone’s own dinosaur and Victorian fossil collectors.

Curriculum Links
KS1-2 Science (prehistoric life, dinosaurs)

KS1-2 Design technology (creating a 3D model)

KS1-2 History (local history study)

KS1-2 Music (creating a dinosaur song)

Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons

Create a life-size model

The dinosaur model will require a stiff frame on which to attach big sheets of recycled cardboard, which can be cut to resemble the profile of the dinosaur. Why not attach the cardboard to the backs of school chairs, which hidden on the inside will double up as seating for the party. The class can be split up to do different creative tasks, with some building the dinosaur and others planning the itinerary, or designing guest invitations.

Guests of honour might include Thomas Huxley and John Griffiths (involved in its discovery and identification as a new species of dinosaur). These could be teachers in Victorian costume or pupils.

Those attending could be issued with special tickets and arrive in costume as famous Victorians. There might be an exotic menu of several courses of dinosaur or fossil-inspired food (including an edible version of John Griffiths fossil pudding). And entertainment. Perhaps including speeches and a dinosaur song in praise of Acanthopholis Horridus Huxley.

Learn with Objects links

Use Learn with Objects, Rocks and Fossils 1, 3 and 8 for info and images.