Welcome to Project Exploration’s Nigersaurus website, an in-depth look at the science behind the story of this extreme dinosaur. Project Exploration is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making science accessible to the public – especially minority youth and girls – through personalized experiences with science and scientists.
From the field to the front page, we are pleased to introduce you to Nigersaurus, Extreme Dinosaur. There are six areas on the site; each section includes printable activities for home or school.
Meet Nigersaurus – Get to know Nigersaurus - bone by bone - and learn why this is truly an extreme dinosaur. Get to know the specialized skull anatomy of Nigersaurus; take a tour of the skeleton; learn what was involved in creating the exquisitely-detailed flesh reconstruction of the head and neck.
Features offers snapshots of the people and research that came together to reconstruct Nigersaurus. Learn what brought Paul’s expedition team to Africa in the first place. Read the original field update describing the discovery in the Sahara. Meet Carolina Gudanowksi, the woman who created a virtual model of the dinosaur. Wondering what’s on a Mesozoic menu for herbviores? Check Plants of the Dinosaur World.
Photo Gallery – captioned snapshots of Nigersaurus provide lots of looks at the new dinosaur and a resource for students and teachers alike.
Activities –inquiry-based activities take you into the world of the scientists and artists involved in reconstructing Nigersaurus.
- A Skeletal Plan – explore the skeletal “map” shared by dinosaurs and humans
- Bring Nigersaurus to Life – use scientific observation and imagination to color in Nigersaurus’ world or to create a realistic portrait.
- PaleoArt Study – analyze paintings where science and art meet
- Show Me the Evidence - Science stories in the news – especially stories about dinosaurs - are a terrific opportunity to practice critical questioning skills
Press – This area provides original press releases, images and multimedia downloads, and tracks Nigersaurus in the News.
Delegates – Meet the Project Exploration Nigersaurus Delegation: 10 Chicago Public high school students and three Chicago teachers, ambassadors for curiosity and passionate about science and discovery. This is their site.
Exhibit – Learn where you can meet Nigersaurus in person, or find out details about how to rent Project Exploration’s Nigersaurus: Extreme Dinosaur travelling exhibit.
Carol Abraczinskas, University of Chicago, Illustrations
Carolina Gudanowski, Computer Generated Imagery
Mike Hettwer, Photographs
Tyler Keillor, University of Chicago, Sculpting and Reconstructions
Gabrielle Lyon, Project Exploration, Website Producer/Editor/Writer
Todd Marshall, Illustrations
Paul Sereno, University of Chicago, Writing, Photography
Larry Witmer, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Computer Generated Imagery
Erik Vecchione, Project Exploration, Website Design and Layout, Progamming.
Special thanks to the people of Niger, University of Chicago Fossil Lab technicians and to Project Exploration’s Kristin Atman, Stacey Mann and Elena Schroeter for writing and editorial contributions to this site.
Nigersaurus Delegates
Student Delegates
Clarence Boyles, 10th grade, Perspectives Charter School – Calumet campus
Tommie Collins, 11th grade, ACE Technical Charter High School
Kassandra Davis, 10th grade, Young Women’s Leadership Charter School
Quyeisha Dykes, 11th grade, ACE Technical Charter High School
Clarissa Galvan, 11th grade, Perspectives Charter School – South Loop campus Michael Laureano, 10th grade, Noble Street Charter School – Pritzker College Preparatory
Chuck Mogbo, 11th grade, John Hope College Preparatory High School
Mariana Moldonado, 10th grade, Noble Street Charter School – Pritzker College Preparatory
Arieshae Parker, 9th grade, DuSable Leadership Academy
Miguel Ruiz, 10th grade, Amundsen High School
Teacher Delegates
Donna Calder, Teacher, Metcalf Community Academy
Dimitri Hepburn, Teacher, Legacy Charter School
Matthew Knoepke, Teacher, Homewood-Flossmoor High Scho
Project Exploration is a nonprofit science education organization dedicated to making science accessible to the public – especially minority youth and girls – through personalized experiences with science and scientists. We accomplish our mission through youth development programs, services to schools and teachers, and public programs including travelling exhibits and this website.
This site about Nigersaurus was inspired by the passion and curiosity of Project Exploration’s students, families and teachers. Thank you!
Special thanks to the University of Chicago Fossil Lab,
and Larry Witmer. |
