Abstract This paper looks at the extinction of the dinosaurs and assesses the validity of the arguments put forward by creationists in favor of a biblical explanation for their demise. In particular, the paper discusses whether or not it is plausible to believe that the extinction of the great beasts was occasioned by the flood of the story of Noah's Ark. The paper looks at the biblical time-frame and explores whether or not dinosaurs and humans could possibly have existed contemporaneously. Finally, the paper looks at the plausibility of a great Ark existing and at whether the biblical flood could have ever taken place. The paper concludes that there is just enough evidence available for it to be unwise to dismiss the biblical explanation for the demise of the dinosaurs.
From the Paper "For one thing, critics of the Ark thesis state that supporters of its existence - such as John Woodmorappe - fail to consider how some creatures ostensibly not on the life-saving vessel (terrestrial snails, to cite one example) could have survived the relentless deluge. Further, critics charge that animals and other living beings which managed to survive the Flood could not possibly have been cared for adequately in any Ark - no matter how big. For instance, those who favor an evolutionary explanation for the earth's past (which necessarily means dismissing biblical accounts of why some creatures persisted into the modern age while others died out) point to the apparent logical improbability of being able to house, feed and sustain thousands of different species in a cramped, confined area; as far the critics are concerned, the example of modern industrial farming simply does not suffice as an explanation for how such an enormous task could have been undertaken (Morton, para.4-5)."
Abstract This paper looks at the numerous theories that have been presented over time regarding the reason for dinosaur extinction. The author discusses explanations such as a sudden catastrophic event, like a meteor hitting the earth or a volcanic eruption, and also slow, environmental causes like global warming or shifting plate tectonics.
From the Paper "First, around the time of the mass extinction of the dinosaurs there was a global climate change. During this time, the environment changed from the warm and mild one present in the Mesozoic era to the cooler one of the Cenozoic. Second, evidence exists to support a massive terrestrial disturbance at the end of the Cretaceous period that included soot in the air, acid rain, the emission of poisonous gases, and a cooling similar to that of a nuclear winter. This terrestrial disturbance caused periods of darkness on the earth as well as a global greenhouse effect. Third, the dinosaurs were only one species that became extinct during this time. According to scientific evidence, approximately 60 percent of all species below the line of the K-T boundary did not exist above that line."
Abstract This paper attempts to prove why the impact theory is the most plausible reasoning behind the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs and so many other species at the K-T boundary. By looking at the substantial amount of evidence for this theory, it examines how the impact theory as opposed to the volcanic theory is currently the most valid explanation for understanding why so many of the world's plants and animals died out at the end of the Cretaceous period.
Outline
What's in a Theory: The History of Mass Extinction Hypotheses
The K-T Boundary: The Cold, Hard Facts
The Impact Theory
The Volcanism Theory
Which is More Plausible?
Conclusion
From the Paper "As the years progressed and theories for mass extinction began to multiply, the concepts of catastrophism and uniformitarianism were born. Catastrophism is, "the doctrine that major changes in the Earth's crust result from catastrophes rather than evolutionary processes" (Catastrophism). In this definition, "catastrophes" include anything that cannot be explained by solid, proven, unwavering geological processes visible on the Earth. A flood of the magnitude recounted in the Bible would mean that the geological process of the water cycle would have to be sped up tremendously. This is a perfect example of catastrophism because at the time in which it was most widely-accepted, it was perfectly acceptable to society that the Flood was a largely disastrous event brought upon the Earth by God, and not a constant geological process such as weathering or volcanic activity."
Abstract This paper describes the creation and development of Barney the Dinosaur and examines the reasons for its immense popularity among children. The paper also examines why many adults find Barney so objectionable even while children adore his character. The paper points out that there seems to be no middle ground for how people feel about Barney; he is either loved or despised.
From the Paper "A purple dinosaur named Barney has won the hearts of millions of young fans but has caused a wide range of emotions ranging from mild irritation to outright disgust from the older set. Why? What's with this syrupy T-rex who sings, "I love you, you love me, we're a happy a family..." at the end of his immensely popular 1/2 hour program shown daily on most PBS television stations?"
Abstract This paper explains that introducing computers into the learning environment does not necessarily improve learning outcome; the role of the teacher to manage content and workflow is critical to the effective use of computers for learning and a prerequisite for the successful and meaningful design of lessons. The author presents a work plan for seven class periods including lectures for grade 6-8 students in the Life Science subject area with three topics: 1) What's New with Dinosaurs? 2) Dinosaur Detectives and 3) Dinosaurs in Argentina. This paper concludes that, although information technology can be a powerful medium for learning at all levels of education and training, learning experiences need to be meaningful, relevant, holistic and should be applied in a flexible learning environment
Table of Contents
Introduction
Analysis of Unit of Work
Definition
Description
Theoretical Perspectives
Constructivism
Behaviorism
Strategies
Provision of Meta-cognitive Experience
Teacher Instructions
Fostering of Cooperative Learning
Direct Instruction and Scaffolding
Increasing Adoption of an e-Learning Environment
Observation and Implementation
Impact on Teachers and Learners
Teachers
Learners
Conclusion
From the Paper "Active construction of learning is generally accepted in contemporary education acknowledging that it is important for students to construct their own knowledge rather than acting as passive learners. Students should be encouraged to recognize this importance and should be allowed to construct their own learning. Guiding principles for constructivism are; 1) pose relevant problems, 2) secure lesson around 'big' concepts, 3) value students' point of view, 4) adapt curriculum to students' prior knowledge, and 5) assess authentically. The concept of self-directed learning brings about a changed perspective in respect instructional strategies."
Tags: content, workflow, dinosaur, environment, active
Abstract The paper offers a definition of educational tourism and focuses on the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas. The paper describes its attractions and the many educational programs that are offered. The paper then turns to the Dinosaur Valley State Park and offers a description of its natural setting and visitor activities.
Outline:
Definition of Educational Tourism
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas
Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose in Texas
From the Paper "Ritchie (1996) defined educational tourism as programs where tourists, usually as a group, travel to a location for the principal reason of engaging in a learning experience (p. 18). The physical locations yield the components for the educational experience. Under educational tourism, there are a variety of subtopics: ecotourism, traveling to a location for the purpose of studying natural resources; heritage tourism, traveling to a location to study the historical sites of a generation; rural or farm tourism, traveling to a location to study the characteristics of countryside, and student exchange programs when students travel to another country to immerse themselves in that country's culture and way of life while studying at a high school or university."
Abstract This paper discusses the method of scientific thinking in theories surrounding the extinction of the dinosaur. It examines several theories, from the outlandish (mental disorders, constipation, mass suicide) to the most widely accepted ones (climatic changes, gradual die-out). The author then combines two theories to create one of his own (a shift in the earth's orbit which initiated climatic and biological changes).
From the Paper "Over the years our ability to gather evidence from the geologic record has increased. New evidence can do many things to our ideas. It can reinforce them or invalidate them or even create new directions for truth seekers to go. The more valid theories fall into two categories, gradual die out and sudden catastrophic event. Most geologic changes occur gradually so this fact alone gives these theories some credibility. Climactic changes can be devastating over long periods of time, as can biological changes."
Abstract This paper examines how the origin of feathers is unknown and how scientists have researched the topic. and none of the theories have even come close to being proved. It looks at how the mystery of the evolution of feathers is closely linked with the origin of birds themselves and how there is various evidence that shows that birds have evolved from small, predatory dinosaurs, known as theropods. It also examines the theory that, although the evolution of feathers and flight were always intimately linked, new fossils discovered in China show that feathers originated even before the evolution of flights or birds.
From the Paper "A bird's most distinctive attribute is its feathers. Traditionally it was thought that the evolution of feathers was linked to the origin of flight, but studies now confirm that feathers existed even in the non-flying dinosaurs, which shows that feathers pre-dated the origin of both flight and birds. The actual progress of feathers is not fully known because of various misleads one of which actually states that the primitive feather actually came about due to the elongation and division of the reptilian scale, and the misunderstanding that feathers evolved primarily for the function of flight. Another hindrance in the concept is that of the lack of the availability of primitive fossils. Many contributions from several fields have tried to bring about a solution for these problems."
Abstract This paper explains how there is proof that earth has been bombarded by meteors in the past. These meteors have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, provided iron to jump-started the Iron Age, and caused a crater in Arizona. The possibility of a 1 km-sized meteor striking Earth, or even Duluth for that matter, is slim. This paper discusses the possible ramifications of such an event in the future.
From the Paper "Earth is a target for destruction, but it's not aliens or terrorists who are planning its ruin. Meteors have assaulted the Earth ever since our home planet came into existence, and they continue to bombard the Earth with broken pieces from asteroids and comets. Some of these results have been disastrous, and some have furthered along human development. In my essay, I hope to show that these meteors have crash-landed on Earth in the past, that meteors do pose a threat to Earth, and evidence for the need for protection against them."
Abstract This paper looks at the habits and characteristics of the ichthyosaur, which is a family of marine reptiles that existed during the same era as the dinosaurs. The paper looks at the lifestyle of the species and focuses on various extinction theories.
Introduction
Well-Adapted to Ocean Life
Diet
Reproduction
Locomotion
Deep Divers
Conclusion
From the Paper "Ichthyosaur fossils were discovered in the late nineteenth century, before the first dinosaur fossils were discovered, and received little acclaim. It wasn"t until the recent discovery a few years ago of a small amount of new specimens in Japan and China that a wider interest in ichthyosaurs" was revived. The ichthyosaur is a fish-shaped tetrapod of the diapsid family. Tetrapod means four-limbed vertebrate. Diapsids are classified as having two openings in the skull and is a classification that encompasses reptiles and birds. There is much fossil evidence to support the conclusion that ichthyosaurs were descended from terrestrial, or land-dwelling, reptiles. One such example is that Ichthyosaurs were air-breathers like cetaceans."
Abstract The paper discusses the revolutionary special effects and animation used in Spielberg's film, "Jurassic Park." The paper reveals that this film opened the door to a new, eye-popping kind of realism in animation for movie audiences. The paper describes the realism of the dinosaurs and attributes this to the special effects creators, the contractors of the Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) group. The paper examines the technology that ILM used in order to produce such realistic computer-generated images.
From the Paper "In just about every retail store in America the marketing barrage featured JP action figures, lunch kits, videogames, candy, posters, latex masks, playing cards, children's toiletries, and more, according to Washington State University professor Michael Delahoyde (www.wsu.edu). But it is possible JP would have turned a record profit anyway (it made $870 million worldwide and cost $63 million to produce), without all the marketing trappings, because the animation was so intense and realistic. It was almost like these dinosaurs could walk off the screen and into the lobby where popcorn was being sold."
Abstract This paper first examines the extinction of the dinosaurs being caused by a meteor strike or several meteor strikes that wiped out nearly all life on earth nearly 250 years ago. The paper then discusses how scientists all over the world continue to search for evidence of a approaching meteors. Finally the paper explores what the potential consequences would be were a similar meteor strike to approach Earth as it did 250 million years ago.
From the Paper "Scientists researching the ancient eras of the Earth seem convinced that some of the major catastrophes that wiped out so much of life on Earth was caused by a meteor strike, or several such strikes. 'Earth's greatest mass extinction--an Armageddon that wiped out nearly all life on the planet 250 million years ago--may have been triggered by a massive meteor collision like the one that millions of years later helped end the reign of the dinosaurs, a team of scientists reported...The extinction is called 'The Great Dying,' because it wiped out 90% of ocean species and 70% of those on land' (McFarling A1)"
Tags: extinction dinosaurs, the great dying, meteorites
Abstract This paper discusses the asteroid which scientists believe caused the extinction of dinosaurs and the probability of another event such as this occurring. It also discuss the measurements government has taken to prevent a damaging impact and the different methods they will use to deter such an asteroid if one should come too near the Earth.
From the Paper "Luckily for us, impacts that would cause massive destruction occur on Earth only about once ever 100,000 years (NASA Ames Space Science Division). According to NASA, these dangerous asteroids capable of wreaking global havoc are extremely rare."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the Permian and Cretaceous-Tertiary periods of life on Earth - pre-historic forms of life from sea creatures to land and air creatures. During both of these periods, mass extinction occurred and a comparison of these two extinctions is documented in this paper.
From the paper:
"From the perspective of daily human life, we often think of tragedy on the level of individual death and destruction, and the concept of mass extinction as being confined to a species or at worst, an ecosystem. However, over the course of the existence of the earth, the planet has weathered many greater catastrophes. Geologists must take a much longer-term perspective of catastrophe when studying extinction. This paper will compare and contrast the Permian and Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinctions."
Abstract The following paper discusses how man needs to treat the earth with respect if he is to survive. The writer is of the opinion that the extinction of the human species, if it ever occurs, will be due to the mismanagement of the earth's resources rather than the effect of an asteroid hitting the earth, which is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
From the Paper "Man is the most intelligent and enterprising of all the animals. Man has always had a desire to explore and understand the phenomena around him. This in turn has fueled his desire to scale Mount Everest, reach the North Pole, and in an astounding demonstration of technological prowess coupled with determination, walk on the moon. Great inventions in science and technology have been achieved due to man's constant desire to improve his living conditions and his quality of life. Every generation has constantly refined and modified operations and function to make it easier and more effective.The earth is full of changes too. Many of the changes are too subtle and slow for man to observe and recognize, the movement of glaciers for example, a few centimeters or less in a day. Records show that the glaciers, which were almost intact for hundreds of years, are retreating faster since the mid-1800s and the rate of retreat is accelerating with each passing year (Wright, 2002). Darwinian theory states that all plants and animals undergo changes and mutations-we are constantly evolving. Man's influence has however, impacted the habitats and the living condition of many plants and animals. Extinction of a species is many times attributed to the effects of man's encroachment on their habitats. The clearing of forests, contamination of the rivers and lakes due to the run off of fertilizers used in agriculture and uncontrolled hunting for food and sport."
