Dinópolis participates in ‘Science Strikes Back’ during the European Researchers’ Night
The Teruel-Dinópolis Joint Paleontological Foundation joins the scientific outreach event ‘Science Strikes Back’, coordinated by the Government of Aragón in collaboration with the University of Zaragoza and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). This activity coincides with the celebration of the European Researchers’ Night and the ‘Training Day XV Zaragoza’ of the 501st Legion – Spanish Garrison.
For the first time, the European Researchers’ Night is being held in the central Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza, hosting over 30 activities and 300 researchers from various scientific centers in Aragón. The event takes place on Friday afternoon (from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM) and throughout Saturday (from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM).
Under the title ‘Guardians of Time: Fossils from Another Galaxy’, the paleontologists from the Dinópolis Foundation will present notable research, including the discovery of the largest dinosaur in Europe, Turiasaurus riodevensis, along with other findings related to dinosaur footprints and their natural environment. Attendees will be able to see a three-meter tall replica of the forelimb of the giant European sauropod, as well as replicas of relevant footprints and fossils from the province of Teruel.
Two themed activities related to Star Wars have been designed: «Following the Trail of Power» and the workshop «Turiasaurus riodevensis: The Largest Dinosaur in the European Galaxy!», where visitors will complete the dinosaur skeleton by correctly placing the bones. Additionally, a raffle for invitations to visit Dinópolis will be held.
Celebration in Teruel
Meanwhile, activities will take place in the porticos of the Plaza del Torico in Teruel from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The multidisciplinary team of the Foundation, composed of paleontologists and restorers, will inform about the latest discoveries, research, and fossil conservation strategies in the province of Teruel.
The main proposal will be the workshop «Investigate Dinosaur Footprints from the Sites of Teruel», where it will be shown how paleontologists obtain information about the appearance, behavior, and environment of dinosaurs. High-quality replicas will be exhibited, some for the first time, including scientific evidence of the quadrupedal locomotion of Iguanodon throughout its ontogenetic development.
For children, «My First Investigation with Dinosaur Footprints» will be offered, a workshop where children will learn to distinguish footprints and associate them with their producers, with the possibility of taking home a footprint printed in modeling clay as a souvenir.
