Dinosaurs and Evolution

Journey to the past and learn how evolution shapes the natural world.

Follow the history of life on Earth

Introduce students of all grade levels to evolution, a key building block of science learning. Explore natural selection and adaptation through resources like family trees, 3D models, and a mock fossil dig site. Using inquiry-driven teaching methods and collection-based discovery, guide students as they trace the evolution of life on Earth.

Dinosaur Toolkit highlights

Use the Field’s dinosaurs—including SUE the T. rex and Máximo the Titanosaur—to learn more about the natural world, past and present.

  • Dinosaur Family Tree | Dinosaur Toolkit

    Examine dinosaur physical traits to identify similarities and differences in their features and construct a system of classification.
  • Today's Dinosaurs | Dinosaur Toolkit

    Explore evidence in the physical features of living animals and dinosaur fossils to learn what living animal is most closely related to dinosaurs.
  • Giants from the Past | Dinosaur Toolkit

    Analyze and interpret data about sauropods and build a nonfiction narrative about how this group of dinosaurs evolved over millions of years.

Mission to the Mesozoic

Team up with a Field scientist to explore Earth millions of years ago. Together, you’ll identify and photograph different animals and plants in their prehistoric environments.

Mission to the Mesozoic is a single-player game that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The game is best enjoyed on a desktop computer with a mouse.

In-museum exploration

Get the most out of your visit to the Field. Our in-museum activities help your students take a closer look at what’s on display.

  • Hominid Adaptations | Exploring the Field Guide

    Investigate fossil remains of hominids to learn how humans and our relatives evolved over time.
  • Who were Dinosaurs? Primer | Dinosaur Toolkit

    Uncover the features that all dinosaurs share, and determine whether a mystery species is a dinosaur.
  • SUE's World | Dinosaur Toolkit

    Use fossils as clues to rebuild a North American landscape from the past and imagine the world where SUE the T. rex lived.

Evolution resources

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      Dioramas and specimens are among the objects teachers can borrow from the Museum through the N.W. Harris Learning Collection.

      N. W. HARRIS LEARNING COLLECTION

      BRING FOSSILS TO YOUR CLASSROOMBrowse Specimens