Dinosaur Expedition
Explore this re-creation of the real Saharan expedition where Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno discovered a new type of dinosaur. See a life-size skeleton of Suchomimus (sue-co-MY-muss), dig for bones in the excavation pit, compare skulls, teeth, and claws with a T-Rex, and learn what it would be like to be part of Paul's expedition team.
Dinosaur Expedition was created in partnership with Project Exploration.
How Adults Can Support Playful Learning in Dinosaur Expedition
Talk with the child to imagine what a trip to the Sahara to dig for dinosaur bones might be like. If you were going to look for dinosaur bones in the hot desert, what supplies would you bring? Use the inventory list in the Jeep as a reference.
Work together to unearth the skeleton in the dig site. Talk about the bones you are finding. What part of the dinosaur do you think you have found? A rib bone? A claw? Use the skeleton map as a reference.
Touch and look at the T-Rex skull and the Suchomimus skull. Talk about what is similar and different.
Discover more opportunities for growth in development and how to support children’s learning through play at Chicago Children’s Museum. Explore the Supporting Learning Through Play Guide here!