October 9, 2013

This winter the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will take visitors back in time with Ferocious February, a month of dinosaur-themed exhibits and activities including an adult class, a sleep-over, a mega-bad movie, and Paleopalooza.

Dinosaurs Unearthed, an interactive exhibit featuring life-size, animatronic dinosaurs, will be on view through March 30, in addition to the Academy’s signature Dinosaur Hall displays. A full-size animatronic T. rex outside the museum sets the stage for the inside exhibit of moving, roaring, life-like dinosaurs, plus real fossils, fun interactive activities, and a big dinosaur fossil dig site. Paleopalooza, the annual two-day festival of gigantic proportions, will showcase the museum’s world-famous fossils and paleontology research. February also will feature paleontology-themed daily programming, a dinosaur-themed Safari Overnight, a paleo-illustration workshop for adults, a dino-rific mega-bad movie night, and more.

The following programs are free with museum admission, except where noted. Check ansp.org for frequent updates.  

Special Exhibit

DINOSAURS UNEARTHED

October 12, 2013–March 30, 2014

Roaring, moving, life-size animatronic dinosaurs invade the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University for a multi-sensory experience for the whole family. State-of-the-art and scientifically accurate—down to the feathers on T. rex—Dinosaurs Unearthed features more than a dozen realistic, full-bodied dinosaurs, as well as skeletons, fossil casts of skulls, claws and horns, real specimens of mosasaur and Spinosaurus teeth, an Oviraptor egg and the ever-popular coprolite (dino poop). A dig site for young paleontologists, a Dino Detective touch-screen quiz, chances to control dinosaur movements and other activities encourage exciting hands-on exploration. $5 fee in addition to museum admission; $3 fee for Members. 

ANIMALS IN MOTION WEEKEND

Saturday Through Monday, January 18–20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Find out how you measure up to some of the star performers of the live animal kingdom at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. A range of family activities offers opportunities to test your strength against the jaws of an alligator, learn the amazing secrets of a common egg, and marvel at the acrobatics of birds on the wing. See firsthand how scientists use the feats of the animal kingdom in their daily work. Free with museum admission.

REPTILE SKETCHING

Wednesday, January 22, 6–9 p.m. 

Get out your sketchbooks—snakes are out and about during this sketching class at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. This class for adults provides a rare opportunity to sketch live reptiles as you observe them up close. Academy artist Stephenie Koniers will provide tips and assistance and Academy teacher/naturalist Michael Kaczmarczik will share the natural history of each animal. No experience is necessary. $25 members, $30 nonmembers. To register, call 215-299-1060.

PALEO-ILLUSTRATION: BRINGING ANCIENT BEASTS TO LIFE ADULT CLASS

Saturday, February 1, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Learn how to draw dinosaurs with the experts at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Academy Dinosaur Hall Manager and paleo-illustrator Jason Poole will share the history of dinosaur illustration, information about dinosaur anatomy, and illustration techniques for paleontologists and budding paleo-illustrators. The group will examine fossils from the Academy’s collection, exhibits in Dinosaur Hall and live animals. Poole’s artwork has been featured in National Geographic, Science, National Geographic World, on National Geographic television specials, and in museum exhibits. Teachers can earn three Act 48 credits. $35 members, $40 nonmembers. To register, call 215-299-1060.

FEROCIOUS SAFARI OVERNIGHT: DINOSAURS!

Saturday, February 1, 6:30 p.m. 

Experience the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University after dark during a dino-rific friends and family overnight. Children ages 7 to 14 and their parents can enjoy an evening of everything dinosaur, including access the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit. Socialize and enjoy refreshments, then sleep next to the Academy’s prehistoric beasts. Awaken to a light breakfast and more exploration. Each child receives a participation patch. Open to the general public and scout groups. For information and to register, call 215-299-1060. Members $43, nonmembers $48, pricing includes access to Dinosaurs Unearthed. 

SCIENCE ON TAP

Monday, February 10, 6 p.m.

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will host Science on Tap, a monthly science café in Philadelphia for anyone interested in getting together with other people to discuss a range of engaging science topics. February’s event will feature paleontologist Dr. Ken Lacovara, Drexel associate professor in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science. The event is held at National Mechanics bar and restaurant, 22 South 3rd St. in Old City. Informal conversation will follow the presentation. Free entry.  

PALEOPALOOZA

Saturday and Sunday, February 15–16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Paleopalooza, a two-day festival of gigantic proportions, features rarely seen specimens from the world-famous fossil collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Learn about animal motion, take guided tours of Dinosaur Hall, see real dinosaur fossils, meet Academy scientists and more. Enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, guest speakers and interactive presentations. Free with museum admission; additional fee to enter the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit. 

MEGA-BAD MOVIE NIGHT: JURRASIC PARK III

Thursday, February 20, 6:30–10 p.m. 

Join the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University after hours to watch an “awesomely awful” dinosaur movie. Academy experts will be onstage to comment on the movie’s many scientific absurdities, similar to Mystery Science Theater 3000. Mega-Bad Movie Nights feature cash bar and snacks, displays of Academy specimens related to the movie and encounters with the museum’s live animals. You must be at least 18 years old to attend and 21 to drink. Members $13, nonmembers $18, includes entry to the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit. To register, visit http://mbmnthem.eventbrite.com/

ANIMALS WITH SHELLS: A LOOK AT MOLLUSKS ADULT CLASS

Monday, March 3, 6–9 p.m.

Join the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University for an adult class to learn about the institution’s Malacology Collection of shells and mollusks. The collection of 10 million specimens is the oldest in the nation and the second largest cataloged shell collection in the world. Collection Manager Paul Callomon will explain why and where the Academy collects clams, snails, squids and millions of other creatures, and go behind the scenes to see some of them. Then get to work sorting and identifying shells the same way scientists do. Teachers can earn three Act 48 credits. $25 members, $30 nonmembers. To register, call 215-299-1060.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAFARI OVERNIGHT

Friday, March 14, 6:30 p.m. 

Experience the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University after dark. Bring your 7- to 14-year-old children to enjoy a night of interactive activities and encounters with live animals. Socialize and enjoy refreshments, then sleep next to the lions, tigers or Tyrannosaurus rex. Awaken to a light breakfast and more exploration. Each child receives a participation patch. Open to the general public and scout groups. For information and to register, call 215-299-1060. Members $40, nonmembers $45.

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