Educational Activities

2 02, 2024

Spotting an Ammonite Fossil at a Trade Fair

By Mike|2024-02-06T22:05:42+00:00February 2nd, 2024|Educational Activities, Everything Dinosaur Products, Geology, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils, Press Releases|0 Comments

Team members at Everything Dinosaur recently visited the Spielwarenmesse trade fair in Germany. Many of the buildings in this part of Bavaria are constructed from limestone. The limestone dates from the Jurassic and is highly fossiliferous. Whilst walking between the halls of the Spielwarenmesse on our way to another meeting, we spotted an ammonite fossil in the stone floor,

Ammonite fossil in the stone floor on the site of the annual Spielwarenmesse trade fair. — On the floor of the Spielwarenmesse building fossils can be spotted. For example, this limestone slab has the remains of an ammonite clearly visible within it. The red arrow highlights the position of the ammonite fossil. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Looking for an Ammonite Fossil

Numerous fossils can be spotted entombed in the polished stone floors of the vast Messezentrum Nuremberg which hosts the international toy fair. Belemnites, bivalves and oyster shells are common. Ammonites tend to be a little rarer, but there are still plenty to see.

Ammonite model next to a fossil specimen. — *A model of an ammonite (foreground) with a polished ammonite in the background. The strongly ribbed shell and the obvious keel of the ammonite replica. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows a Bullyland ammonite replica in the foreground with a polished ammonite fossil behind it.

To view the Bullyland range of prehistoric animal models and figures: Bullyland Prehistoric Animal Replicas.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained that many municipal buildings in and around Nuremberg were built from limestone that contains lots of fossils. The sediments that went onto form the limestone were Upper Jurassic in age.

The spokesperson added:

“Nuremberg airport is famous for its fossils. It is always intriguing to see what we can spot in the floor tiles as we wait to board an aeroplane.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

11 12, 2023

The Story of Earth’s Climate in 25 Discoveries

By Mike|2023-12-12T10:13:13+00:00December 11th, 2023|Book Reviews, Educational Activities, Geology, Main Page, Palaeontological articles|0 Comments

Delegates at COP28 continue their discussions on how to limit and make preparations for future climate change. These discussions, their success or failure will have consequences for all of humanity. Decisions made today will have implications for all future generations too. The publication of a new book that documents the history of our planet’s climate and its connection to life on Earth provides context and delivers a fresh perspective.

“The Story of Earth’s Climate in 25 Discoveries” is written by Donald R. Prothero. He is an incredibly talented American palaeontologist and geologist with a gift for communication. As adjunct professor of geological sciences at California State Polytechnic University (Pomona, California), the author is well qualified to explain the intimate connection between climate and life on Earth. However, unlike many scientists, Donald R. Prothero’s engaging writing style permits the general reader to understand and grasp sometimes difficult concepts.

Climate change book — *The story of our planet’s climate in twenty-five discoveries by Donald R. Prothero.*

Picture credit: Columbia University Press

Climate Change from a Deep Time Perspective

Our planet has undergone radical climate change throughout its history. Climate has changed dramatically from a “Snowball Earth” that led to a mass extinction event to sweltering jungles that stretched across the globe. Over deep geological time, climate has shaped the evolution of life on our planet. Furthermore, living organisms have shaped the Earth’s climate. We are not the first inhabitants to dramatically influence our planet’s climate. This new book documents these changes. It highlights how our climate has never changed so radically as it is changing now.

“The Story of Earth’s Climate in 25 Discoveries”

“The Story of Earth’s Climate in 25 Discoveries” takes the reader on a journey through Earth’s history. In this highly entertaining book, the author addresses questions such as Why do we have phytoplankton to thank for the air we breathe? What kind of climate was necessary for the rise of the dinosaurs, or the mammals, their successors? When and how have climatic changes caused mass extinctions?

Team members at Everything Dinosaur have enjoyed reading other books written by Donald R. Prothero. For example, we reviewed “The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries”.

Our review can be found here: A Review of “The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries.”

Today’s Climate Crisis

The author concludes this most informative publication with an examination of the Ice Ages and the Holocene Epoch. Our role in climate change is outlined and the perils we now face are explained.

Understanding why the climate has changed in the past, this timely book shows, is essential to grasping the gravity of how radically human activity is altering the climate today.

The Book Details

The Book: “The Story of Earth’s Climate in 25 Discoveries”

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Published February 2024 | Price: £32.00/$38.00 USD (hardback) | Pages: 472

ISBN: 9780231203586

Visit the website of Columbia University Press: Columbia University Press. Search on the website for the author or title to find the book.

6 12, 2023

A Fun Dinosaur Themed Teaching Activity for Young Children

By Mike|2024-03-09T15:03:00+00:00December 6th, 2023|Early Years Foundation Reception, Educational Activities, General Teaching, Key Stage 1/2, Main Page, Photos/Schools|0 Comments

Whilst sorting our image archive, we came across a super example of a dinosaur themed teaching activity. In December 2019 Everything Dinosaur visited Greenhill Primary in Bury (Greater Manchester). The teaching team had invited us in to help with the Year 1 term topic. The children had been learning all about dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. One of the areas of learning the teachers wanted to focus upon was improving literacy.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Dinosaur Themed Teaching Activity

The dedicated and enthusiastic teaching team had prepared a comprehensive term topic. A topic that would appeal to a variety of learning styles. The children were excited and keen to demonstrate their knowledge.

Dinosaurs appeal to children. Many are fascinated by them, and a clever term topic can really engage young minds. If the children are motivated and enthused, they will quickly develop new skills and gain confidence with writing and reading.

The colourful drawings of prehistoric animals posted around the classroom helped to encourage the pupils in their own creative writing.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

25 11, 2023

Biggest and Best Ever – TetZooCon 2023

By Mike|2023-11-29T09:58:30+00:00November 25th, 2023|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Educational Activities, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Press Releases|0 Comments

Less than a week to go now before the start of the TetZooCon 2023 event. Once again, Everything Dinosaur are proud to be involved with this conference and as a sponsor we wish the organisers every success. This is the tenth TetZooCon, the conference is becoming an institution, a must attend event for anyone with an interest in the natural world, the Earth sciences and palaeoart.

Many of Everything Dinosaur’s chums will be attending. Unfortunately, pressures of work have once again prevented us from going, but we will be thinking of everyone next weekend.

*The TetZooCon banner for 2023 which has been designed by Darren Naish, one of the conference organisers.*

Picture credit: Darren Naish

TetZooCon 2023

TetZooCon 2023 will be held at Bush House, King’s College, London, on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd December 2023, with an evening reception on Friday December 1st and a fieldtrip on Monday 4th December. For the first time ever, the TetZooCon will consist of parallel sessions throughout.

Several of the sessions are dedicated to marine reptile research. Attendees will get the chance to meet “Flip” the world’s most scientifically accurate swimming plesiosaur. Dr Dean Lomax will be delivering a presentation covering the latest research into the “Rutland Sea Dragon”. Not to be outdone, Emily Swaby will be discussing Yorkshire’s very own giant marine reptile – Temnodontosaurus crassimanus.

Dr Dean Lomax working on the skull of the Rutland ichthyosaur. — *Dr Dean Lomax working on the skull of the Rutland ichthyosaur, the largest and most complete ichthyosaur fossil ever found in the UK. Picture credit: Matthew Power.*

Palaeoart in Perspective

The very talented Luis Rey will lead a panel discussion on the Past and Future of Palaeoart. Co-host Darren Naish will provide an insight into the television series “Prehistoric Planet” and expect living archosaurs such as corvids and cassowaries to enter the debate.

On Sunday (December 3rd), Nigel Marven will look back on his adventures filming dinosaurs and other reptiles. In addition, during Sunday lunch time there will be a special screening of the film “The Lost World” from 1925.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We wish we could attend next weekend. Bush House at King’s College, London is going to be buzzing. Our congratulations to Darren Naish and John Conway for all their hard work organising such an exciting event.”

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur’s website.

21 11, 2023

Final Year Engineering Students Visit Everything Dinosaur

By Mike|2023-11-23T20:43:05+00:00November 21st, 2023|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Educational Activities, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Photos, Press Releases, Teaching|0 Comments

Engineering students visit Everything Dinosaur. As part of the company’s work in the community, Everything Dinosaur was visited by Tom and Bolaji, two final year engineering students at Liverpool John Moores University. Tom and Bolaji are currently working on a practical project that focuses on using state-of-the-art software and engineering skills. The project forms part of their final year studies.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Students Visit Everything Dinosaur

We hope that Tom and Bolaji found the visit to our offices and warehouse illuminating. Everything Dinosaur team members have worked on a number of student projects. Recently, we were invited to talk to students at Manchester Metropolitan University. We have been engaged in several outreach projects, it is all about giving something back to the wider community and helping to motivate the next generation of entrepreneurs.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It was wonderful to meet the two students. Their energy, enthusiasm and approach to business problems was refreshing. Tom and Bolaji definitely have a “can do” attitude. It was great to be able to exchange ideas and consider problems in our industry from a different perspective.”

Everything Dinosaur wishes them every success with their engineering project and in their careers.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

20 11, 2023

Lovable Boffins Pledge to Bring Back the Woolly Mammoth

By Mike|2023-11-20T15:11:27+00:00November 20th, 2023|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Educational Activities, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

The Woolly Mammoth could return by 2028 according to an article published in a UK tabloid paper. The sensational headline claims that the extinct prehistoric elephant could be resurrected. Advances in genetic engineering could mean that extinct creatures could be coming back.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Woolly Mammoth De-extinction

Everything Dinosaur has featured several stories about de-extinction on this blog. One of the most recent concerned genetic research to resurrect the Thylacine, otherwise known as the Tasmanian Tiger. As a marsupial the significant problem of having to find a surrogate mother can be bypassed.

To read the Thylacine article, which is based on a media release from the University of Melbourne: The De-extinction of the Thylacine.

There would be many additional barriers to the genetic engineering of a viable Woolly Mammoth embryo. It is true that astonishing and rapid developments in genetic engineering could in theory bring back long extinct creatures. The resurrection would be achieved through the manipulation of an organism’s genome. This would result in the creation of a population of animals that had characteristics of animals that have died out. We are sure the article would have mentioned dinosaurs, but a “Jurassic Park”, is not going to be created anytime soon.

In 2015, Everything Dinosaur reviewed a book which provided a guide to cloning a Mammoth.

The science behind de-extinction. — *The science of de-extinction by Beth Shapiro.*

To read our review of “How to Clone a Mammoth”:“How to Clone a Mammoth”- Book Review.

Cloning Prehistoric Elephants

The book was written by Beth Shapiro, an Associate Professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz. It looked at the selection criteria for a de-extinction candidate species. She explained the joys and perils of hunting for Woolly Mammoth fossils and highlighted some of the scientific obstacles associated with cloning. There are ethical and moral considerations too. Should we bring back and animal that went extinct thousands of years ago, or perhaps focus on conserving extant fauna and flora.

Woolly Mammoth models. — The introduction of new Woolly Mammoth models helped cement this Ice Age animal in our top ten. Could genetic engineering developments lead to the re-introduction of the Mammoth? Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows Papo Mammuthus primigenius figures, spotted at a trade show a few years ago. The baby Woolly Mammoth model has been out of production for some time, but the juvenile and adult figures are still available.

To view the Papo prehistoric animal figures in stock: Papo Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Whatever the advantages and disadvantages of this aspect of genetic engineering, we did not expect to see a tabloid newspaper covering this research on the front page. We are not sure about the headline “lovable boffins…”.

We look forward to reading about the re-introduction of prehistoric elephants in 2028.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

16 11, 2023

A Colourful and Educational Dinosaur Display Earns Praise

By Mike|2023-11-30T09:30:26+00:00November 16th, 2023|Adobe CS5, Educational Activities, Main Page, Photos, Press Releases|0 Comments

A colourful and educational dinosaur display spotted in a Reception classroom has been praised by Everything Dinosaur. On a visit to Micklehurst All Saints Church Primary (Ashton-under-Lyne), team members spotted the carefully crafted children’s display.

*A colourful dinosaur display spotted in a Reception classroom. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Dinosaur Display

The teaching team had been focusing on food chains. They had used the dinosaur term topic to help the children to understand what foods animals eat. The Reception class were keen to demonstrate their knowledge. The children eagerly pointed out which dinosaurs ate meat and which ones ate plants.

For inspirational dinosaur themed toys and games: Dinosaur Toys and Gifts.

As part of the varied term topic, the children had been making replicas of fossils. Some of these fossil replicas were on display in the classroom.

Fossil replicas that have been painted in silver or gold as part of the dinosaur display. — *Fossil replicas that have been painted in bronze, silver or gold as part of the dinosaur display. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Praising the Children and the Teaching Team

The fossil replicas had been created by pressing dinosaur models into salt dough. These objects had been painted a variety of metallic colours. The children’s artworks certainly made a colourful dinosaur display in the classroom.

We tested the children’s understanding of food chains. Some of the more capable learners were happy to identify which dinosaurs may have been omnivorous.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Visit Everything Dinosaur.

A spokesperson from the UK-based mail order company commented:

“We remember visiting the school back in March 2019. At the time we remarked on the beautiful school displays. The children had enjoyed their prehistoric animal themed term topic. They were eager to highlight which parts of the dinosaur display that they had personally contributed to.”

15 11, 2023

Counting with Dinosaurs Helping Children to Gain Confidence

By Mike|2023-11-22T12:23:46+00:00November 15th, 2023|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Early Years Foundation Reception, Educational Activities, Main Page, Press Releases, Teaching|0 Comments

Whilst searching for an image in the Everything Dinosaur database, we came across a photograph of a counting with dinosaurs exercise. The picture had been taken on a visit to Whirley Primary in Cheshire back in 2019. The teaching team had launched an imaginative dinosaur-themed term topic. Everything Dinosaur team members were invited into the school to explain all about dinosaurs.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Counting with Dinosaurs

The reception class had been struggling with addition and subtraction. The teaching team developed some simple prehistoric-animal themed counting exercises to help the children to become more confident. After our visit, we supplied the school with some additional, free teaching resources.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We supplied the school with some additional teaching materials. Lesson plans and supporting materials to assist with the scheme of work were emailed. It is always a pleasure to help schools. We do our best to assist the teaching teams.”

To contact an Everything Dinosaur team member: Email Everything Dinosaur.

6 11, 2023

The Fantastic Lyme Regis Fossil Festival 2024

By Mike|2023-11-11T11:29:52+00:00November 6th, 2023|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Educational Activities, Geology, Main Page, Photos, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (2024) is scheduled to take place over the weekend of the 8th and 9th of June. Everything Dinosaur has received an official media pack providing further details about this exciting event. A spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company also confirmed that the preceding Friday would be allocated for schools and students.

The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (2024)

The festival is organised by the Lyme Regis Museum with the support and assistance of key partners. These partners include the Charmouth Heritage Centre and the London Natural History Museum. The allocated venues are the Lister Gardens, the Jubilee Pavilion, the Marine Theatre and the Lyme Regis Museum. Aimed at families especially young children, there will be no entry fees.

Everything Dinosaur was involved in the inaugural event and has participated subsequently. Unfortunately, other commitments prevent team members from attending in 2024.

Art and Science in Palaeontology — *Prehistoric animal drawing fun at the Lyme Regis fossil festival. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

The photograph (above) was taken around 2016 during one of Everything Dinosaur’s visits to the festival. We provide lots of free drawing materials to mums and dads of budding young palaeontologists.

Visit the family-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

A Free Event Aimed at Families

The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival is one this country’s leading palaeontological events. It brings together eminent scientists as well as top geological and palaeontological organisations. The two-day event celebrates the rich fossil heritage of the “Jurassic Coast”.

There are lots of free, family-orientated activities including shows, talks, fossil hunting walks, exhibitions and interactive displays. The organisers predict that there will be over 10,000 visitors to the Dorset town over the weekend of 8th/9th June 2024.

A model of a belemnite. — *The new for 2020 CollectA Belemnite model. Visitors to the festival can expect to see lots of belemnites and ammonites. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows the CollectA prehistoric life belemnite model. CollectA have introduced a range of figures representing iconic animals from the fossil record.

To view the CollectA prehistoric life model range: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Models.

Team members at Everything Dinosaur wish the organisers every success with their endeavours. Hopefully, the weather will behave, and it will be warm and dry over that weekend.

23 10, 2023

Everything Dinosaur Addresses Students on Popular Degree Course

By Mike|2023-11-23T10:58:53+00:00October 23rd, 2023|Adobe CS5, Educational Activities, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Photos, Press Releases|0 Comments

A team member from Everything Dinosaur was invited to address final year digital marketing students at Manchester Metropolitan University. Mike of Everything Dinosaur had received some training from the University, taking part in a “Developing Innovation” programme. As a result of his connections to the University he was invited to present to the digital marketing students. The students are looking at Everything Dinosaur’s digital footprint and Google Analytics as part of their course. The aim is to provide them with a real business to study.

*Everything Dinosaur team member Mike got asked lots of questions by the digital marketing students. Picture credit: Alexandra Severn (MMU).*

Everything Dinosaur Fielding Questions

Working with their teacher, Alexandra Severn (Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing Communications and Programme Leader), the students had compiled an extensive list of questions. The questions ranged from asking about our website, customer profiling and social media activities to enquiring about our favourite fossils. Fortunately, a fossil had been brought along. It is not very often a Woolly Rhinoceros dorsal vertebra takes part in a business school lecture.

One student asked:

“What was our favourite dinosaur?”

Ryan enquired:

“How sustainable is your operation? Do you consider the environmental impact at each stage of your operation?”

Amin wanted to know how the dinosaur models are made and are they made in a safe environment?

We hope the answers we provided were informative and helped the students to gain a better understanding of the business world. It was also a pleasure to be able to discuss some of the ways in which Everything Dinosaur has reduced its carbon footprint. In addition, our use of recycled cardboard and the replacement of compostable starch chips rather than using foam were highlighted.

Everything Dinosaur team member addresses students at Manchester Metropolitan University. — *Mike of Everything Dinosaur addressing the final year digital marketing students at Manchester Metropolitan University. Picture credit: Alexandra Severn (MMU).*

Commenting on the experience, Mike stated:

“It is nice to be able to give something back to the next generation. They had compiled a challenging set of questions, and I did my best to answer them all. It was a pretty intense session, but I got the chance to talk to some of the students afterwards and they wanted to have their photograph taken with the Woolly Rhino fossil.”

Visit the award-winning and user-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.