Core Skills Analysis
Math
The student played Jurassic World Evolution 3 and managed the park’s finances by allocating budgets to build enclosures, purchase dinosaurs, and hire staff. They calculated the cost per dinosaur and compared it to the projected visitor revenue, using tables to track daily profit and loss. By adjusting ticket prices and marketing spend, the student applied percentage increase and decrease calculations to see how revenue changed. Throughout the game they interpreted bar graphs and line charts that displayed visitor numbers and park popularity, reinforcing data‑interpretation skills.
Tips
To deepen the math learning, have the student create a spreadsheet that models the park’s budget and forecasts profit over a season, incorporating variables like food costs and ticket price changes. Next, challenge them to design a new dinosaur exhibit on graph paper, using scale drawings to calculate area and required fencing length. Introduce a real‑world comparison by researching the actual costs of zoo animal care and estimating how those figures would affect their virtual park’s finances. Finally, set up a small‑group simulation where each student plays a different role (manager, accountant, marketer) and must communicate their calculations to keep the park thriving.
Book Recommendations
- The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley: A beautifully illustrated biography of the 19th‑century sculptor who brought dinosaurs to life, sparking curiosity about prehistoric creatures and scientific illustration.
- How to Build a Dinosaur Park by Alyssa M. Johnson: A kid‑friendly guide that blends storytelling with real‑world engineering concepts, showing how to plan, budget, and design a themed park.
- The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay: An engaging visual exploration of machines and systems, helping young readers understand the mechanics behind attractions and park infrastructure.
Learning Standards
- ACMMG115 – Recognise and use the properties of multiplication and division in real‑world contexts (budget allocation, cost per dinosaur).
- ACMMG126 – Collect, organise and interpret data using tables, charts and graphs (visitor statistics, profit charts).
- ACMMG128 – Apply percentages to solve problems (ticket price adjustments, profit margins).
- ACMNA119 – Use measurement units to calculate area and perimeter (enclosure design).
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Calculate total construction cost for a new enclosure using unit prices for fences, terrain, and security features.
- Quiz: Given a 15% increase in ticket price, what is the new revenue if the park originally earned $12,000 per day?
- Drawing task: Sketch a scaled layout of a dinosaur habitat and label the dimensions needed for the required square footage.
- Data analysis activity: Create a line graph of weekly visitor numbers and identify trends related to marketing campaigns.