Since the mid-1800s dinosaurs have
been a source of fascination and inspiration — from children’s coloring books
to Hollywood blockbusters, these extinct animals hold a unique place in the American
psyche. The immense popularity of dinosaurs also makes them an excellent
conduit for teaching the critical thinking skills needed in basic science and
engineering literacy.
Darrin Pagnac, Ph.D., is a South Dakota School of Mines
& Technology associate professor of geology specializing in
paleontology. His latest work, “Dinosaurs:
A Catalyst for Critical Thought,” published by Cambridge University Press, shows that passion for
dinosaurs, when properly directed, can trigger interest in science and be used
to develop critical thinking skills.
Each
spring Pagnac teaches a course called “Dinosaurs,”
which attracts a wide range of students from various fields of study. “We have
a number of students who get fired up emotionally about dinosaurs,” he says. In
this class, Pagnac helps students confront preconceived notions that he calls
“Jurassic Park Syndrome.” This is where student’s views of paleontology and
sciences are shaped...