Make Your Own Dinosaur out of Chicken Bones: Foolproof Instructions for Budding Paleontologists [Paperback]

Christopher Mcgowan (Author), Julian Mulock (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Most people would laugh if you told them you were having a dinosaur for dinner. But you can. Because birds evolved from dinosaurs, says renowned paleontologist Chris McGowan, that chicken from Sunday's supper is a direct descendant of those fearsome and perennially popular "terrible lizards."

To show this relationship and give readers a unique, hands-on introduction to the principles of paleontology, McGowan has devised a deliciously clever science project that kids of all ages can really sink their teeth into -- the creation of their very own dinosaur skeleton. Numerous illustrations guide readers step-by-step through the process of taking the bones of three chickens, some wire, glue, toothpicks and a few other household items, and building a model even the Museum of Natural History would admire. As they assemble their Apatosaurus skeleton, budding scientists will learn real-life paleontological practices as well as facts about evolution, anatomy, and, of course, dinosaurs. Featuring three recipes for chicken soups and salads to ensure that the chicken meat is put to good use, Make Your Own Dinosaur out of Chicken Bones is the perfect treat for dinosaur lovers of all ages.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

What a terrific concept! Chris McGowan, a curator at the Royal Ontario Museum, has come up with the ideal hands-on science project. All you need is this book, three young chickens, a few household items, and some time to make your own scale model of an apatosaurus skeleton. And it neatly dovetails with current scientific theories that birds are the living descendents of dinosaurs. McGowan's detailed, practical directions even include recipes for the leftovers. No one who has ever been interested in dinosaurs will be able to resist this book.

About the Author

Christopher McGowan is an esteemed zoologist and paleontologist. He is the author of seven books, including Discovering Dinosaurs and Diatoms to Dinosaurs. He lives in Aurora, Ontario, Canada..

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 154 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial; 1st edition (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060952261
• ISBN-13: 978-0060952266
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #578,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, especially if you have kids!, August 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Make Your Own Dinosaur out of Chicken Bones: Foolproof Instructions for Budding Paleontologists (Paperback)

A wonderful project, and a clear and well-written book. Do not expect to finish quickly -- we spent many hours over many months cleaning, sorting, cutting, and assembling a beautiful 'apatosaurus.' Kids of all ages (mine are 3 and 5) can get involved, from enthusiastically finishing their chicken dinners to cleaning and sorting and assembling the new family pet.

I should note that if you have a Dremel or similar moto-tool, you'll find a lot of the cutting and sanding easier (and you'll have less bone-boiling).

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best educational tools I've ever seen:, September 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Make Your Own Dinosaur out of Chicken Bones: Foolproof Instructions for Budding Paleontologists (Paperback)

I am a 21 year old biology major and this is one of the best science books I've ever purchased. I have always loved books that involved cut-and-paste but this one is the best. You end up with an actual model of a dinosaur as well as extensive knowledge of skeletal anatomy, dinosaur and bird facts, and how to roast a chicken!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Planned Activity!, April 11, 2011

By 

christina kniffin "gethhyn the green witch" (WEST PALM BEACH, FL, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Make Your Own Dinosaur out of Chicken Bones: Foolproof Instructions for Budding Paleontologists (Paperback)

This book is a bit of a read for younger children but a great togetherness project book. This is definitely something to plan ahead for. If you have younger kids that love dinosaurs, they will love this book. It may stretch their patience but how many kids can say they have their own dinosaur skeleton. Teens will be able to put their dinosaur together by themselves. The dinosaur you build in this book is an Apatosaurus. There are recipes in the back of the book that you can use to eat up all of your chickens that you need. It takes about four young chickens to make this dinosaur. Like I said, this is a plan ahead project and takes time to complete. If you are the creative sort, you could build other dinosaurs.