Dino Dimensons

It is sometimes difficult to appreciate the size of some dinosaurs. To help your children understand, grab a tape measure and head outside with your children. Measure 90 feet along a sidewalk, driveway, building, or fence. That's how long a plant-eating Diplodocus was!

To gauge how tall a dinosaur might have been, measure up 10 feet from the ground level of a multistory building (window access may help). Count the rows of bricks or clapboards in that 10-foot section. Multiply this number by four, and have the children count up that many rows of bricks or clapboards to see where a brachiosaurus's head would reach.

Share pictures of these two large dinosaurs, such as the ones on this page, and any others you may find with the children.

Items you'll need include: