The Earth changed a great deal during the Millions of Years Dinosaurs roamed the Planet. As we continue to Celebrate Black History Month we should note Scientists that study changes in Planet Earth like Dr. Bernard Hubbard and Dr. Estella Atekwana.
Dr. Bernard E. Hubbard is a Research Geologist for the USGS Geology, Energy & Minerals (GEM) Science Center in Reston, VA. Dr. Hubbard analyzes Rocks & Minerals using sophisticated high-tech equipment to look for important minerals we use in our everyday lives. His interest in Earth Sciences began with other Planets. When Dr. Hubbard was 5 a Public Access Television Program called “Cosmos” inspired his interest in what things were like on other Planets – whether or not Volcanoes on Mars were still active or not. This interest progressed to how other Planets compared to Earth, which evolved to thinking about Earth as a Planet from space. Dr. Hubbard’s High School was located on the campus of the City University of New York allowing him to take Geology & other Earth Sciences Courses in his Senior Year. He was hooked on Science! Dr. Hubbard’s PhD was in volcano hazards – hydrothermal rock alterations on active and inactive volcanoes. This led him to USGS and a post-doc that was funded by NASA! Dr. Hubbard explains that Earth Science is a broad field that goes beyond mapping rocks. There are Geologist that look at the Earth from thousands of feet above the surface via satellite. He suggests “find what you love, find what can motivate you, and you’ll be able to find a spot for yourself in Earth Sciences”. Dr. Hubbard feels it’s one of the best places for solving the problems we face living on a dynamic planet.
Thanks to USGS Geoscience for Everyone Day, providing the information on Dr. Bernard E. Hubbard.
Permian Extinction by Jose Luis Olivares MIT
Dr. Estella Atekwana, Distinguished Professor; Dean, College of Letters & Science at UC Davis is a renowned geophysicist. Dr. Atekwana’s research includes biophysics, near surface geophysics, tectonics, geodynamics, and continental rifting. The Geophysics faculty at UC Davis study the physics of geologic processes that shape our planet, from the inner core to outer space. Their research includes geodynamics, planetary geophysics, volcanic processes, earthquake physics, geodesy, natural hazards and tectonics. Whee! A lot of words to look up and I did! I could write a couple of pages of definitions, but I think you will have a better understanding if you research on your own. If you already understand all these terms – Gold Star for You! Dr. Estella Atekwana grew up in Cameroon. As a little girl a teacher told Estella that geology was not for girls. Estella took that as a challenge and Thank Goodness She Did! Today, Dr. Estella Atekwana is an Internationally-recognized Research Powerhouse and a Pioneer of Geobiology with well over a hundred publications in Geology, Geophysics, and Environmental Microbiology Journals; and Thousands of Citations! She has given Keynote Lectures at National & International Conferences and Departmental Seminars across the Globe.
Thanks to the UC Davis website for their great information on another Trail Blazer! And if I didn’t provide enough new vocabulary words for you, visit UC Davis website and read more about Dr. Estella Atekwana’s fascinating work.
Taylor Bythewood-Porter is the Assistant Curator of the California African American Museum in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA. She sees Curators as Story Tellers. Discover the Stories she has to tell. Visit the CAAM. And while you’re in Exposition Park you are just a T-Rex trot away from the NHMLA. Check Out Black History Events in Your Community, Library & Museums.
Note: Dinosaurs in the Valley Event Ends March 5th!
Kevin’s Perch has been showing it’s age – fading and degrading mosses. I wanted something that would last longer than the current craft materials. After receiving one of those annoying marketing mailers, I noticed an ad for artificial turf on the back cover before throwing it away. What could be more comfortable for Kevin to relax on than artificial grass. Since it’s made for outdoors, I don’t need to be concerned about fading and I can use a vacuum for light dusting.
I made a visit to Turf Exchange in Camarillo to see if they might have a scrape piece that could accommodate Kevin’s place. In California’s current drought Artificial Turf is a perfect option to live, high maintenance grass. I was amazed at the number of choices and how real it looks! Cory Katz, VP Sales at the Turf Exchange is great and found the perfect piece to meet Kevin’s needs. After disposing of the old material, cleaning up the space, I measured and remeasured before cutting the artificial grass. I was surprised how easy it is to cut the material with a box cutter. Fortunately, I had a piece of cardboard from the prior base material to use as a template for cutting the irregular shape of Kevin’s Perch. The piece was a little wider than I needed. However, I like the way it looks slightly hanging over the front edge vs. seeing the raw cut edge of the artificial grass. I added a few pine cones and Kevin back on his Perch.
I like the Artificial Turf so much I think it would make a great area rug or might even be cool for wall to wall in the right room. Consider Artificial Grass for conserving water at your home. Check Out the Turf Exchange in Camarillo (844) 600-8873 and ask for Cory Katz, cory@turfexchange.com. Tell him Paul at PaulsPrehistoricPark.com sent You. Kevin has his card handy! Do You?
Stay Tuned for More Dinosaur Crafts & Fun Facts!
Here are 3 of my favorites Museums. 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. 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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