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Project Descriptions

After the Dinosaurs: A Paleontology Exhibition and Education Project

July 1, 1997 - June 30, 2002 | Exhibitions
The Science Museum of Minnesota will develop "After the Dinosaurs", an exhibit that will feature a detailed reconstruction of the ecology of a Paleocene subtropical environment that existed in the North Plains of North America (58 million years ago). Information presented in the exhibit will come from a 25 year research project carried out by SMM curator Bruce R. Erickson and his colleagues at Wannagan Creek Quarry in northwestern North Dakota. This research has yielded one of the most complete assemblages of Paleocene megafossils in North America. Both the increased knowledge gained from this research and process of the research will be highlighted in this exhibit. Visitors will learn that the world's landscape has changed considerably over time, the analysis of fossils helps scientists reconstruct the past, knowledge of former ecosystems help us to understand current ecosystems, and everyone can be a scientific investigator when we attempt to understand our environment in a systematic way. Two versions of the exhibit will be prepared: a 4000 sq. ft. permanent version that will be installed in the new SMM river front building and will open in late 2000. There will also be a 2500 sq. ft. traveling version that will begin its national tour in 2002. Complementary programming will include an on-line interactive teacher guide and student project curriculum, a teachers' institute, and a variety of youth programming including specially developed interpreter training materials. The exhibit will be accessible to people with disabilities.

Funders

NSF
Funding Program: ISE/AISL
Award Number: 9705453
Funding Amount: 1524486

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Andrew Redline
    Principal Investigator
    Science Museum of Minnesota
  • Bruce Erickson
    Co-Principal Investigator
    Science Museum of Minnesota
  • Discipline: Ecology, forestry, and agriculture | Geoscience and geography | Life science | Nature of science
    Audience: Youth/Teen (up to 17) | General Public | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits
    Access and Inclusion: People with Disabilities

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