I hope those that were able to attend the NHMLA’s “Dino Fest” last Sunday had a Roaring Good Time! Saturday September 10th was our first in person Reading to Kids Event since COVID. Proof of Vaccinations & Masks were required for the Readers to participate. The theme for the reading was “Back to School Fun”. Our 4th grade book “Confessions from the Principal’s Kid” by Robin Mellom was a lot of fun. There isn’t enough time to read the entire book with the children’s novels. However, the books for all the grades are donated to each School’s Library encouraging the kids to check them out and finish the stories or read them again. After the reading we have time for crafts. Some of the kids made cards for Grandparent’s Day or their parents. One young man made superhero cards like Graham in our story. In addition, three of the boys wanted to make Dinosaur Masks.
I decided to make some more and share the steps with everyone. First, I found some images to inspire, a Hadrosaurus, Pachycephalosaurus and an Allosaurus model. I have been making mostly Carnivores, so this is my first time with beaked Dinosaurs. I start with a pencil, then an ink pen followed by an ink brush. Don’t use Markers! The fumes are dangerous to breath. I finish with watercolors. Crayons may work just don’t use them on the entire mask. They are too thick and will bock the air flow. The heavier duty masks work best for this project. The thin paper ones have folds that are harder to draw on.
Reading to Kids October Theme is “Halloween, Magic & Monsters”! They are planning on having Magicians at each School to put on a magic Show after the Readings & Crafts. If You would like to volunteer for and event check out www.readingtokids.org to learn how. Now that we are back to In-Person at the Schools they can use more volunteers! It’s one Saturday each month for as many or few as you wish.
Last week I showed my motorized Metal Dinosaur, a 1960 Imperial LeBaron at our 37th Annual Statewide Meet this year in Port Hueneme in Ventura County (the white one on the left). Delores del Rio Dilophosaurus joined me for one of the driving tours to a Mission. We also visited the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard. They have some incredible cars & automobilia on display. There’s even a theater with short movies regarding these wonderful automobiles and much more. Check them out www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com
It was Great seeing the other Imperials & their Drivers, many that I have known for the 31 years I’ve owned my Imperial. A 1956 Desoto joined the other motorized metal dinosaurs too!
Stay Tuned for More Makeovers & Dinosaur Fun Facts!
Check out Your nearest Natural History Museum. Remember Social Distancing & Masks to keep You & Others Safe while Everyone Enjoys Their Learning Experience. Consider a Membership with the Museum. In addition to Supporting Their Valuable Work there are Benefits to You. Special Preview Events for Members Only as well as Virtual Access Exclusive for Members. For more information and access to general public eLearning check out the links below.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org under Research & Collections / Digitized Collections will allow you to browse their Collections. Check out the latest Activities on their site.
The American Natural History Museum www.amnh.org You will find eLearning for Families, Students & Educators. Explore the Museum Virtually. Check Out SciCafe: Video Talks and Meet the Icons: Stories behind the Exhibits! There are Video Series covering Behind the Scenes at the Museum with Space & Dinosaur Explainers.
Chicago’s Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org You can talk to “Maximo the Titanosaur” online, Yes Really! Visit Sue the largest T-Rex discovered! Check Out “Brain Scoop” and the Learning Resources – many are also in Spanish.
Check Out Your Libraries eBooks. My local Library has over 900 eBooks on Dinosaurs! Here are four books for Drawing Dinosaurs that you might find at your Library. Ask your Librarian about others.
1-2-3 Draw Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals A step by step guide by Freddie Levin (2001)
Draw 50 Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals by Lee J. Ames (1977)
Draw it Dinosaurs by Patricia Walsh (2006)
I Can Draw Dinosaurs by Terry Longhurst (2003)
Stay Safe & Well.
Please Remember to Wear Masks & Social Distance as Appropriate Not everyone has been Vaccinated. And even vaccinated many Young & Old have compromised immune systems. Protect Yourself, Friends, Family & Everyone You Pass!
Thank You!
I used watercolors to make Dinosaur Designs on my N95 Masks (New Ones above). I couldn’t get a yes or no from 3M regarding any impact this might have to the effectiveness of the mask. Many Museums sell Dinosaur Themed Masks Check them Out!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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