Thousands of students learn about dinosaurs

The exhibit is also open to the public Wednesday through Friday from 4-8 p.m., Saturday from noon until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 2-6 p.m.

The program was extended because of demand and school snow days, Harrison County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Doug Comer said.

“The whole purpose of the enrichment program is to make it educational for all grade levels,” Comer said. “It is free of charge to everyone. They learn about prehistoric West Virginia and the Jurassic stage, do excavation in sand pits just like paleontologists and put the pieces together. It also includes arts and crafts.”

The life-size replicas feature a woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, giant sloth, saber-tooth cat, juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex and numerous artifacts and other pieces.

Johnson Elementary student Benjamin Facemire said his favorite part was digging for bones in the sand pits.

“I also like the woolly mammoth best because of the size of it,” the kindergartner said.

Student Adaleia Wolfe learned what tusks are made of.

“Every dinosaur with big teeth is a meat-eater, and those with small teeth eat plants,” she explained.

Student Luke Honaker enjoyed learning about the T-Rex and fossils.

Harrison County Parks and Recreation is able to provide the dinosaur program free of charge thanks to funding provided by the Harrison County Vital Services Levy.

“We combine education and team-oriented activities for the younger ones with a higher level of education for the older students,” Comer said. “We can bring a Smithsonian and Carnegie Museum-quality exhibit to this area. In addition to the replicas, there are more than 50 authentic fossils.”

The Johnson students were impressed with the hands-on learning opportunities.

“We had to dig for fossils. We found them all and put them together,” said Elizabeth Spagnuolo, whose favorite exhibits were both of the Tyrannosaurus rexes.

Collin Maxson McDaniels said the students made a Stegosaurus during arts and crafts.

“We used flour and dough, and we are supposed to take it home and put in the window to dry. I also liked finding dinosaur bones in the sand,” McDaniels said.

For more information, call (304) 423-7800.