What do dinosaur bones and trees have in common? Since they are living things, they both show evidence of growth. We can measure the length and circumference of portions to observe and compare growth rates, but certain fossil bones also contain rings indicating seasonal growth, just like tree trunks have.

Measuring in the Real World

How did students decide where to measure, where to start and where to stop? All activities ask students to show where they measured. Science includes communication of both methods and results. Why is this important?

Examples: An engineer might label a pipe diameter measured on the inside of the pipe, while a plumber is more interested in the diameter measured from the outside.

Measuring your height while wearing shoes rather than no shoes.

• Discuss the museum femur activities with students (in-class activities included)
• Discuss the museum growth ring activities with students (in-class activities included)
• Further Research and Teacher Resources