Who's the Fastest Jaw on the Draw?

Which animal has the fastest snapping jaw? If you’re guessing a shark or perhaps an alligator, you’ll have to think smaller. Read this article to find out and then answer the following questions.

1. What is another word for mouth parts?
2. To explain how a trap-jaw ant's mouth moves so quickly, they compare its jaw to a ___________.
3. About how fast can an ant move its mouth?
4. Who is Sheila Patek and what is her job?
5. How does a slow motion camera help scientists better understand how a trap-jaw ant eats?
6. Use 3 adjectives (describing words) to describe the trap-jaw ant.

The Lunch Crunch

As everything in the world becomes more and more expensive, school distict cafeterias are feeling the crunch as food prices rise. Read this article and answer the following questions. Remember, there are many ways to answer these questions, so be original and explain yourself.

1. Why have many schools raised lunch prices this year?
2. Should schools be required to offer nutritious food options? Why or why not?
3. Is it okay for schools to stock vending machines with unhealthful snacks? Explain.
4. What would you do to deal with the rising food prices? Explain.

Dino Death Pit!

Although dinosaurs have been extinct for over 65 million years, scientists are still learning a lot about them. Read the Kids National Geographic article called Dino Death Pit! and answer the following questions. Remember, You only have 30 minute at this station - work quick and give concise answers. If you have trouble with a question, skip it and then come back to it.

• 1. In your own words, describe what "quickmud" is. (1)


• 2. Dinosaurs that lived 230 million years ago were about the size of what animal? (2)


• 3. Page 3 of the the article talks about a "bizarre toothless meat-eater called a ceratosaur." Why is this dinosaur "bizarre?"


• 4. How was Guanlong's arms different from the Tyrannosaurus Rex's arms? (5)


• 5. Would you want to play in "quickmud?" Why?