Dinosaurs – they’re monstrous, glamorous and have long been the subject of Hollywood blockbusters. New research emerges almost daily in the field of paleontology, causing the scientific community to rethink the way we’ve perceived these titanic creatures that once ruled the Earth.
Beginning Jan. 28, visitors to Catawba Science Center (CSC) in Hickory can slip back in time and walk among the Dinosaurs in a lush, prehistoric setting.
Dinosaurs features six half-sized roaring, robotic dinosaurs including the king of dinosaurs – Tyrannosaurus rex – Triceratops, Pachycephalosaurus, Dimetrodon, Stegosaurus and a mother Apatosaurus protecting her newly hatched babies. Go beyond the bones and see how these prehistoric creatures may have looked and sounded when they roamed the Earth millions of years ago.
The exhibit offers interactive opportunities to learn about the lives of dinosaurs and prehistoric reptiles. Learn about late Permian, late Jurassic and late Cretaceous periods, as well as where these prehistoric creatures lived and what their diet included.
Visit the exhibit’s paleo-research camp, dig for fossils and participate in Weekly Dino Demos: Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.
Dinosaurs will also feature a number of special events and activities for families throughout the exhibit, which will be on display at Catawba Science Center through Sept. 2.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up, starting Feb. 1:
Digging up the Past
Wednesdays, 4 p.m.
Saturdays/Sundays 2 p.m.
Learn about tools used by paleontologists to uncover fossils that shed light on prehistoric plants and animals. Use various tools to dig for fossils and identify them according to geologic time period.
Fossil Features
Fridays, 4 p.m.
Saturdays/Sundays, 2 p.m.
What is a fossil? Learn what an object a fossil, different types of fossils and how they are formed. See authentic fossil finds, as well as reproductions and casts. Participants will make their own fossils molds using shell or bone and modeling clay.
Fossil Fair Trip
February 4
9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Join CSC Naturalist Bruce Beerbower for a field trip to the Fossil Fair at the Schiele Museum of Natural History. See fossils, minerals and gemstones on display from area clubs, paleontologists and private collectors. Participate in hands-on activities, see a T. rex skeleton and more. CSC provides transportation. Cost: $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Call (828) 322-8169 to register.
Dino Family Day
March 17
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities included with general admission include dino rubbings, fossil-making and a Dino Dig slide show presented by CSC Naturalist Bruce Beerbower at 2 p.m. Learn about his adventures digging for dinosaurs, as well as an upcoming trip to Utah and Colorado, June 24 – 30.
Learn more about Dinosaurs, as well as exhibit-related programs, events and trips at www.CatawbaScience.org.
Dinosaurs is sponsored by George Foundation, Beaver Family Foundation,Catawba Valley Medical Center,Corning and Frye Regional Medical Center. Media sponsors are WFAE 90.3 fm, WBTV-3, WNC Magazine and Foothills Radio Group are media sponsors.
Catawba Science Center is a nonprofit science and technology museum in the Western Piedmont with traveling exhibits, a digital planetarium theater and a marine touch pool with live sharks and stingrays. A community asset and regional destination, Catawba Science Center is dedicated to changing lives and inspiring learning through science and wonder. Learn more at www.CatawbaScience.org.
CSC is funded in part by the United Arts Fund of Catawba County and is located in the Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley, on the SALT Block, 243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory.
