+
Website
PBS

Pbs: Nova: The Four Winged Dinosaur

For Students 9th - 10th
In 2002, paleontologists discovered a fossil in China that seemed to provide a missing link between dinosaurs and birds, and to support the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs. The fossil came from a four-winged dinosaur they named...
+
Handout
University of California

Ucmp: Aves: Fossil Record

For Students 9th - 10th
A very good article on the fossil evidence and the prominent theory on the evolution of birds. Addresses both sides and presents information. Predominently agrees with the pro-dinosaurian point of view.
+
eBook
University of Guelph

Canada's Aquatic Environment/evolution of Birds

For Students 9th - 10th
A good site that goes over the similarities and differences of reptiles and birds. Good look at the issue from a seemingly neutral view.
+
Handout
University of California

Ucmp: Systematics

For Students 9th - 10th
A good overview of the radiation within the class through geologic time.
+
Handout
Talk Origins Archive

Talk Origins: All About Archaeopteryx

For Students 9th - 10th
Good site which appears to take an unbiased approach to examining the wealth of evidence about the origins of birds. Provides tons of information about specimens, features, feather development, and more.
+
Handout
PBS

Pbs/evolution: Birds Arrived Comparitively Late

For Students 9th - 10th
Good discussion of both sides of the debate over the origins of birds. Presents the recent evidence that seems to lean in the direction of the pro-dinosaur ancestry argument.
+
Website
Other

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: Dinosaur Institute: Dinosaurs

For Students 9th - 10th
The origins, evolution and diversification of dinosaurs through geologic time are described, as well as their portrayal in Hollywood movies. There is also information about how birds evolved from dinosaurs.
+
Handout
Other

Ornithology: The Evolution of Birds

For Students 9th - 10th
Site provides a good overview of avian evolution debate without taking a firm stance on the dino-ancestry issue. Gives the broad ideas concerning bird origin and evolution.
+
Handout
Other

Buzzle.com: Bird Eden: What Is an Archaeopteryx?

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains what the Archaeopteryx was, its habitat and diet, the features it shared with dinosaurs and birds, and what is known about its locomotive abilities.