In 1868 the first dinosaur skeleton, Hadrosaurus foulkii, was mounted and put on display at The Academy of Natural Sciences. This momentous event was the result of a collaboration between and artist and a scientist. The ability to visualize an extinct animal as a living creature continues to be the work of scientists and artists working together to study the skeletal anatomy of these animals. How do scientific illustrators accurately represent the anatomy of extinct animals, known only from their fossils? During the first class, students will investigate these questions by exploring the skulls of modern animals and comparing them to the skull of a hadrosaur, Maiasaura. Students will use the knowledge gleaned from comparisons to inform their own drawing of a "fleshed" hadrosaur. Between programs, students will research and complete their drawing of the dinosaur to present to Academy staff and the other participating classes on December 16th.There are 6 spots in this event open to MAGPI members with H.323 videoconferencing capabilities. During the first videoconference, every student (or pairs of students) needs access to a computer with the virtual environment installed. We will be providing each school with a virtual environment where students can manipulate dinosaur bones while participating in the videoconference.
Fleshing the Bones: Grades 7-9
December 2, 2009 & December 16, 2009
1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
More Information/Registration: http://www.magpi.net/
During this program, students will:
- recognize that an understanding of anatomy is important for drawing lifelike representations of animals
- be able identify major anatomical features of skulls that inform the artist
- investigate the skull of a hadrosaur and compare it to the skulls of modern animals
- use the knowledge of skulls to flesh out (draw) the skull of a hadrosaur
Program Outline:
- Kick-Off Videoconference (December 2, 2009)
During this program, students will exploring the skulls of modern animals and compare them to the skull of a hadrosaur, Maiasaura. Students will use the knowledge gleaned from comparisons to inform their own drawing of a "fleshed" hadrosaur.
- Student Projects (December 2, 2009 – December 16, 2009)
Students will complete their hadrosaur drawing.
- Wrap-Up Videoconference (December 16, 2009)
Students will share their drawings with the Academy of Natural Sciences and students at the other participating schools. If time permits, students will complete additional guided drawing exercises.
Pre-Videoconference Activities:
- Provide drawing materials: Students must have drawing materials (paper and pencil) for the first program.
- Download Virtual Environment: Download the VR environment that every student (or pairs of students) has access to on a computer during the presentation. The presenter will be taking students through this environment while explaining drawing techniques, etc. Because students will be drawing intricate details, it will be helpful for them to see and manipulate these images up close.
Post-Videoconference Activities:
- Complete Drawing: Students should complete dinosaur drawings to present at the second meeting of the classes.
National Educational Standards:
Participation in this program satisfies the following content standards, as outlined by the Consortium of National Arts Education Associations:
- Students apply media, techniques, and processes with sufficient skill, confidence, and sensitivity that their intentions are carried out in their artworks.
- Students initiate, define, and solve challenging visual arts problems independently using intellectual skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Heather Weisse Walsh
Manager of Educational Services
MAGPI
3401 Walnut Street, Suite 233A
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6228
phone: 215-573-6417
email: hweisse@magpi.net
aim: magpik20
skype: hlweisse
twitter: hlw2
blog: http://k20interactions.
