F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions
 

Space - How big an area is needed for the exhibit and students?

The room size minimum should be approximately 40' x 60' or larger - about the size of an average all purpose room or gym.

Space Reservation - Set up & Take Down Times

Set up:  As soon as the buses leave the day before exhibit day.
We set up the day before to take the pressure off exhibit day morning.
It takes about 4 hours to unload and setup.

Take down:  It takes about 3 hours to take down and load after the exhibit closes.

Communication - Do you have a letter we can send home with the students?

A pre-printed Letter to the Parents and a Reminder will be provided for each student. Also, a master Letter to Teachers, Press Release and Hall Posters are included so everyone can be informed. All communications have been worked out carefully and used hundreds of times with success. Good communication is vital to having a successful program, therefore, we provide everything you will need to be organized.

Equipment - What equipment does the school need to provide?

(one) TV & VCR
(one) Overhead Projector
(18) Chairs

Schedule - How do we organize a schedule for the school day?

We provide a model schedule to use as a guide. You can see how other schools have organized a field trip in their school. We offer two presentations followed by individual classroom "walk thru" times. Classroom teachers can schedule time for their students to walk through the exhibit, examine closely, and ask questions after each assembly. At the end of the day every student has had a chance to be a part of the large assembly and visit the exhibit with their teacher and friends in a smaller group.

Assemblies - How much time do you need for each assembly?

The model schedule guide will ask for a block of 45 minutes for each assembly.
Teacher's individual classroom "walk thru" times start immediately following each
assembly. At the end of the day every student has been a part of the large assembly
and enjoyed the exhibit in a smaller group with their classmates.

Minds On - Can the children touch the exhibit?

There are displays for the children to touch. At the same time, there are displays we ask the children not to touch although they can look and read all they want.
The Dino Discovery program is a minds on activity that will engage and fascinate anyone interested in dinosaurs and other ancient extinct animals - this includes young children and adults.

Public Attraction - Can the public be invited to attend during the evening exhibit hours?

We request the invitations be limited to your school community vs the general public.
Dinosaurs as an attraction will draw a huge crowd and your students can be pushed out.
Also, we are not insured as a public attraction.

Admission Charge - Can we charge an admission fee?

Our program is offered with or without a Rock & Fossil Shoppe. Should you choose an option supporting the Shoppe we ask there be no other money raising activities scheduled on exhibit day. (ie: concessions, book fair event, picture day, admission fees etc.)
On the other hand, an option selected without the Shoppe does not have this limitation.

Other Schools - Can we combine with other schools?

Call us so we can discuss your plans and how the educational integrity of the program can be maintained. We do encourage combining with other schools if your school population is small. Either way please let us know so we can be prepared.

Payoff - What will the students gain if we book this program?

The outcome for the students is much joy and excitement by learning more about
another time in Earth's history and ancient extinct animals - especially dinosaurs.

Should you choose the popular Option 2 with the Evening Family Exhibit Hours
the added benefit is tremendous goodwill in your school community.
Parents will thank you for hosting a worthwhile and educational program

Reservation - What do we have to do to book an exhibit date?

Let's get our calendars together and plan a time that is best for your school. With our travel schedule we can schedule programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If possible, pick a first and second choice then call (800 723-9571) to reserve an exhibit date.