New computer simulated exhibit lets kids “Be the Dinosaur” JOHNSON CITY – Children can “Be the Dinosaur” starting this Saturday, May 28, at the East Tennessee State University and General Shale Brick Natural History Museum and Visitor Center at the Gray Fossil Site. This new computer simulation exhibit will continue until Labor Day weekend and will focus on some of the greatest mysteries in paleontology. Visitors will put themselves in the driver’s seat of a simulator pod supplied with artificially intelligent and scientifically accurate dinosaurs that are complete with working muscles and nervous, sensory and digestive systems. The activity will help answer questions such as what a day in the life of a dinosaur was like, how they lived, what information can be obtained from fossil evidence. “Using technology is an ideal way to get the attention of young people,” said museum education coordinator Sarah Mullersman. “‘Be the Dinosaur’ engages an audience that is constantly bombarded with on-demand entertainment options with real educational content.” The “Be the Dinosaur” program is provided by Inquiry-Based Simulation Technology from Eureka Exhibits. Visitors of all ages can explore the lost world of dinosaurs individually or as a group. Networked pods encourage interaction in a social free-play experience. Patch programs with dinosaur activities for children in grades pre-kindergarten through 6th will be offered on Saturdays throughout the exhibit. Interested persons should check the museum’s online calendar at www.grayfossilmuseum.com for program dates. “Be the Dinosaur” is sponsored locally by Dex, with additional support provided by Eastman Credit Union, General Shale Brick, Inc., and the ETSU Department of Biological Sciences. The museum is open seven days per week from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call (866) 202-6223.