Dinosaurs Unearthed Reviewed by Liam Fitz-Gerald Photos by Allan Hall Through September 27
The Saskatchewan Science Centre’s presentation of Dinosaurs Unearthed is a superb example of the power of these long extinct creaturestoignite our imaginations and presents a mixture of education and entertainment. It premiered May 17 and will be exhibited until September 27. Featuring live animatronics in the form of motion-sensing model dinosaurs, plus fossils and skeletons, interactive exhibits and educational displays, this is an exhibit that will appeal to people of all ages and backgounds. For small children, these model dinosaurs will engender a sense of awe for creatures that once roamed the Earth, and for adults a sense of nostalgia for their own childhoods will emerge as they remember the trepidation they once felt when setting eyes upon these mighty leviathans.
For everybody who has ever dreamed of becoming a paleontologist, here’s their chance for a few short minutes. For many adults, this will conjure up feelings of childhood nostalgia and dreams that many had as young children becoming acquainted with these ancient creatures.
There were also displays that showcased actual fossils. Indeed, the exhibit balanced the imagination of animatronics with actual field work and the process of piecing together how these animals might have functioned based on fossil evidence.
Throughout the exhibit, Dinosaurs Unearthed showcased many dinosaurs from popular culture. Indeed, there was Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Velociraptor (the scientifically accurate ones, not the popular monsters of Jurassic Park) and, of course, Tyrannosaurus Rex–which had three models present. Many of the models reflected new trends in science where dinosaurs are now increasingly portrayed as feathered. The T-Rex models were the most impressive. Showcasing a feathered juvenile, an adult Rex hiding in the trees and a life-sized model outside, the Tyrant Lizard King was well represented.
Yet, the exhibit is ultimately geared toward children and, as mentioned above, they will love it. The moving and roaring dinosaurs will stoke the fires of their imagination and the fossils and facts will have them clamoring for more. In that regard, the exhibit is well worth the price if you’re looking to give your kids an educational experience. Rabid adult dinosaur fans will be impressed by the exhibit but will be left wanting more.
Liam Fitz-Gerald is a resident of Regina with roots in Swift Current.. When not burrowed in library books and writing, he can usually be found sampling the newest alternative rock albums, and chatting about current events at local coffee houses.
