Predator Dinosaurs: The Truth about Killer Dinosaurs

Gr 5 Up—Fossil remains, computer generated imagery (CGI), and mechanical models made of steel and hydraulics are used to present information about dinosaurs. British television host and naturalist Bill Oddie cheerfully narrates all the science and mayhem. The first hour looks at Tyrannosaurus rex vs triceratops, while the second part shows a velociraptor vs a protoceratops and an ankylosaurus. Paleontologists are interviewed and use fossils remains to explain how they study dinosaurs, but then the program takes a turn into the sensational with the use of rendered 3-D skeletons and very good animated scenes of dinosaurs fighting. To highlight the physicality and brutality of these creatures, models are made from steel and hydraulics to provide accurate movement and fighting techniques. This leads to effective but gruesome exhibitions of strength, such as metal T.Rex jaws chomping on cow legs and a metal velociraptor claw slicing into a piece of alligator hide. The host eats roast turkey with a paleontologist to look at its skeleton and compare birds to dinosaurs, which is a clever way to present the information. The production concludes by encouraging young people to keep studying fossils. A great resource to teach students about dinosaurs and show that science can be exciting and fun.—Geri Diorio, Ridgefield Library, CT