Dinosaur lecture launches program at Sundance
by Marin Decker
Deser Morning News
Sundance — When it comes to kids, dinosaurs are magic. If you need proof, just attend a lecture by paleontologist Robert Bakker.
"Dr. Bob," as he referred to himself, told a packed room full of
parents and children at a lecture Saturday that dinosaurs "make kids'
brains go in fourth gear."
And he certainly appeared to be right, as children jumped out of their seats and waved their hands in the air to get the chance to answer Bakker's questions.
Bakker gave away sketches of about 20 different dinosaurs to children who could name the animals. In return, he made them promise to research the dinosaurs and teach their classmates at school.
Bakker kept things lighthearted, joking that his personal name for the Utah raptor is "Clawed Van Dam."
Jon McCoy of Edinburg, Texas, looks at displays in newly opened Sundance Nature Center on Saturday. The resort plans to present lectures geared toward discovery. Jason Olson, Deseret Morning News,
The lecture was the first of several events held Saturday to celebrate the dedication of Sundance's Nature Center.
Two paleontologists, astronaut Story Musgrave and radio host Doug Fabrizio joined Bakker at the resort to lecture on discovery and exploration — two themes that Sundance and the North Fork Preservation Alliance hope to incorporate into Nature Center programs.
Jim Smith, who lives in Park City, brought his two sons to the dinosaur lecture, which cost $15 per person, and seemed to think it was well worth it.
"These guys love this stuff," said Smith. "He's kind of one of the living heroes of paleontology."
Smith's son, Elliot, 9, was one of the lucky few to take home one of Bakker's drawings. "I learned, but it wasn't like school — it was fun," he said.
The Sundance Nature Center is open seven days a week, with nature exhibits, hikes, walks and education programs.
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