Courses

Connecticut’s Jurassic Park: A Natural History of Life on Earth, a child-friendly class

This intergenerational course will present an overview of the changing life and environments in North America, with emphasis on Connecticut. It will consist of three classroom presentations plus field trips to Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill and the laboratory of the Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven. Topics discussed will include geologic epochs, especially the Jurassic and Triassic periods; the specific geologic history of Connecticut; the development of life on Earth; and the evolving climate, tectonics, and life during Connecticut’s Age of the Dinosaurs. Activities will include examination of rocks and fossils—among them a rock core taken at Dinosaur State Park that reveals changes in the environment—and dinosaur tracks (be sure to bring socks for stepping into dinosaur footprints!). Children (vaccinated required, accompanied by adults) are welcome to participate.

Open to parents, grandparents, and trusted guardians accompanying up to two children.

 


  • 15 Sept 2021 -  Geological time and factors that influence life on Earth
  • 22 Sept 2021 - History of life on Earth
  • 29 Sept 2021 – History of environments and life in Connecticut
  • 2 October 2021- Dinosaur Park, Rocky Hill (meet on site at 2 pm)
  • TBA- Peabody Natural History Museum, New Haven, CT

COVID Considerations: Trips to Dinosaur State Park and the Peabody Museum would be subject to any COVID restrictions in effect at the time, but both plan to be accessible as of this writing. The presentations would be best in person so that fossils/rock samples can be shared and hands-on activities can be incorporated; but they can be delivered online, if necessary. 

Other Considerations: Field trip dates will need to be coordinated with the respective museums.

Instructor: Peter Drzewiecki

Date: Wednesdays, September 15, 22, 29, Field trips, Saturday October 2, 16, 2021

Time: 6 - 7:30 pm

Location: Butterfield Room, Wasch Center + field trips to Dinosaur State Park and Peabody Museum

Cost: $115, adult; $35, each child (up to two)

Science