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Dinosaurs take over Bristol Museum for British Science Week

Image of the Bristol DInosaur

The Bristol Dinosaur (Thecodontosaurus antiquus) lived around 210 million years ago on warm, tropical islands around Bristol, part of a group of islands known as the Mendip Archipelago, a little like the Caribbean or the Seychelles today

Press release issued: 10 February 2016

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will be celebrating British Science Week (11-20 March 2016), with a Dinosaur Takeover. Bristol Museums have partnered with dinosaur experts at the University of Bristol to deliver an exciting half day experience for school groups in the region, packed with thrilling dinosaur-related activities.

Central to the day, Dino Debs and Dino Dan will lead a 90 minute workshop, accompanied by other postgraduate students from The University of Bristol.  School children will be able to handle and examine fossils, get up close to the Bristol Dinosaur, take part in a dino-dig and learn about dino food chains. Pupils will also have time to explore the museum’s dinosaur gallery and permanent exhibits with their teachers. Plus, each child can take home a keepsake fossilised shark’s tooth.

Jane Hack, Senior Officer for Formal Learning at Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives said: “The half day Dinosaur takeover will comprise of a 90 minute session designed to support teachers in delivering the national curriculum, with a meet-the-expert approach and hands-on science experiences not available in the classroom.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside dinosaur experts at the University of Bristol to put on this engaging schools event for British Science Week.  As a result, we are pleased to announce that any school that books a Dinosaur Takeover workshop at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery between 14-18 March, will also be given the chance to book a free in-school follow-up session led by postgraduate students from the University of Bristol – an offer we think provides exceptional value for money.”

Professor Mike Benton, a dinosaur expert at the University of Bristol said: “We are delighted to be able to work with the Museum to engage young children in science.  It’s great for the students too – a break from their regular studies, but also serious, practical experience in education and learning.”

Dinosaur takeover sessions are suitable for Years 1 to 4. Workshops are bookable morning and afternoon from Monday 14 - Friday 18 March 2016. Each workshop can accommodate groups of up to 35 pupils. More than one workshop can be booked.  The workshops are charged at £6 per pupil, with accompanying adults free and the opportunity to book a free in-school follow-up session led by postgraduate students from the University of Bristol.

A special Dinosaur Takeover! workshop for Home Educators has also been developed and will take place at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Friday 18 March between 12.20-2pm, charged at £5 per pupil. Advanced booking required.

Further information or e-mail museumbookings@bristolmuseums.org.uk

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