Celebrate Dinosaurs and Fossils at Paleopalooza Oct. 16–24
Online and In-Person at the Academy of Natural Sciences
PHILADELPHIA,
September 24, 2021
Paleopalooza is back at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University with a Mesozoic mix of virtual and in-person programming over a wild week. From hands-on workshops to digital drawing class to fossil exploration stations, there’s something for paleo fans of all ages to enjoy at the museum and online.
Dino-mite activities begin Saturday, Oct. 16, with in-person and virtual programs leading up to all-day in-person fun and exploration Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24. Visitors will meet Academy paleontologists and examine the interesting specimens they’re working on; take a guided tour of Dinosaur Hall and learn its secrets; make-and-take a Cretaceous craft; learn about current research and discover how the ancient world is still all around us.
More details about the following activities are available at https://bit.ly/3i5zLXU.
Junior Scientist Workshop: When Did Dinos Rule the World?
Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.–Noon
Ages 8-11
Be transported back in history to when dinosaurs walked the earth, and ancient reptiles swam the seas. Explore specimens from the Academy’s collection and learn how to read them to learn the stories of environments, evolution and extinction. Find out how Academy scientists collect, prepare and study fossils, and practice the skills yourself under the guiding eyes of an Academy paleontologist. Take home your own fossil cast to add to your collection. For more information, fee and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3hg646b.
Drawn to Dinosaurs: Paleopalooza Edition
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 6–7 p.m. Zoom
All Ages
Whether you are a beginning artist, experienced sketcher or just a lover of dinosaurs, you are invited to this dino drawing opportunity led by renowned paleo-artist Jason C. Poole. All you need is a piece of paper and a pencil! Jason will take you through the basics of fleshing out the world’s most iconic dinosaurs while sharing real facts behind their discovery and eventual return through a dinosaur uprising. Grab your favorite dinosaur model, sharpen your pencil and join us for this special session! For more information, fee and to register, visit https://bit.ly/39zOplE.
Paleo Playdate: Dinosaur Party!
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 10:15–11 a.m.
Ages 3-5
Have fun with Academy experts and other young natural history fans at a preschool party featuring science story time, hands-on activities, take-home crafts, and room to move and explore. Paleo Playdate is developed for preschoolers and their families to enjoy together. For more information, fee and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3hZAPfG.
A Shaker of Science: Paleontology in the Field
Thursday, Oct. 21, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Age 21+
Ever wonder what it is like to excavate fossils in the field and how you can do this yourself one day? Dino-lovers, rock collectors and fossil diggers unite to talk excavating and paleontology with Jason Schein, executive director at Bighorn Basin Paleontological Institute. You’ll get to hear cool stories from the field, learn some dos and don’ts of paleontology, and get an exclusive chance to ask the paleo professionals a few questions. Pay what you wish. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/2XKQ9pu.
Paleopalooza Weekend, Oct. 23–24, Activities free with regular admission
Drop-in Family Workshop: Fossil Fun! Saturday, Oct. 23 ONLY, 10 a.m.–3p.m.
Families will work together as teams to learn something new and make time to play together, too. Take home activities will be provided. While this workshop is designed for preschoolers and their families to enjoy together, all ages are welcome to participate.
Dinosaur Hall Tours, 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
You’ve marveled at the towering T. rex and the Mesozoic menagerie. Now get an insider’s perspective from teacher and dinosaur aficionado Tim Serabian, who will guide visitors through prehistoric time and the Academy’s own history.
Ask the Scientists! Paleontology Pandemonium, 11 a.m.
Academy scientists can tell you all sorts of things about ancient life, both big and small. In this ask-me-anything format, visitors can pose questions and even try to stump the experts.
First Steps: The Origin of Limbed Animals, Vertebrate Paleontology Presentation, 1 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why all vertebrates have four limbs? Join Academy paleontologist Ted Daeschler, PhD, and his Vertebrate Paleontology colleagues as they walk through how we got our body shape and teach us all about our inner fish.
Bugs on the Big Screen: Paleo Edition, 3 p.m.
Bugs both predated and succeeded the dinosaurs. Get a closer look at one of the most ancient (and overlooked) groups of living fossils. See cockroaches, scorpions and spiders like you never have before: on the big screen. Learn from staff entomologists exactly why these animals have been such great survivors and what lessons people can learn from them.
Vertebrate Paleontology: From Past to Past
Behind the Academy’s doors is an astounding collection of fossils spanning Earth’s history. This weekend will be your chance to view part of this rare and famous collection and to meet the researchers and scientists. Discover what Academy paleontologists are digging up, polishing off and examining closely to piece together the story of the planet.
Fossil Exploration Station
Not all fossils live behind a glass case. Come check out some of the Academy’s fossils and objects up close and personal. Feel how big the tooth of a T. rex really is or how heavy fossils are. Match specimens with the dinosaurs they came from and get a firsthand view of how long dinosaurs were.
Monster Mash Scavenger Hunt and Prize
Stop by the Academy’s Permian Monsters exhibit to learn new secrets and bizarre information about the deep past before the dinosaurs. Pick up a scavenger hunt, make discoveries and earn a prize.
Cretaceous Crafts
Show off your dinosaur knowledge with a make-and-take craft.
Paleo Partner Showcase
Meet the fun fossil-loving friends from the Edelman Fossil Park of Rowan University and check out their collections and projects.
Bighorn Basin Paleontology Institute
Dinosaur Hall’s Fossil Prep Lab is open for all Paleopalooza visitors to get up close to real fossil research. Get a sneak peek at what’s needed to prepare fossils and ask the talented staff and volunteers about their work.
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For images, visit the Press Room.