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| By Lori O'Brien, Correspondent HOLYOKE- The Wistariahurst Museum's dinosaur tracks will take center stage during a unique children's workshop on April 14. "Dinosaur Track Exploration" will be led by Mount Holyoke College cultural anthropology major Jacqueleen Albanese from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Early registration is advised for this workshop and there is a suggested $2 donation to the museum. Albanese's presentation and activities are geared toward ages five to 13 and the class size will be limited to 30. Albanese explained during an interview with Reminder Publications that her program will begin with a broad and basic presentation about dinosaurs in the Connecticut Valley. She said her talk will discuss how the dinosaurs might have walked, what types of dinosaurs roamed the area, and how the Wistariahurst Museum acquired their dinosaur tracks. In 1927, Belle Skinner purchased stone slabs containing dinosaur tracks and ripple marks from William Murray, according to Albanese. "They were to be used to pave her new driveway after her new addition onto Wistariahurst," said Albanese, adding "this is where they are today." The rock slabs (which are shale) that make up the driveway of Wistariahurst are from the Jurassic age, some 180 million years ago. "The Connecticut Valley consisted of lakes during this time," added Albanese. "The shale of the Wistariahurst has oscillation ripple marks that are created from an ancient lake and also illustrate ancient mud cracks." Albanese noted that paleontologist Mark McMenamin analyzed the imprints noting that he found 11 separate dinosaur tracks. "These tracks are Eubrontes (Gigantatherium) tracks and Amblonys giganteus tracks, a possible variant on Eubrontes tracks," she said. "This just signifies the types of tracks and not the types of dinosaurs that created them." Albanese said it is difficult to figure out what type of dinosaur created the tracks because of the lack of bones or other clues. However, a track can tell how the dinosaur walked, their size, and if they were in groups. "This area is known for having tracks possibly created by dinosaurs named Dilophosaurus, Coelophysis, and their relatives," she added. "The Dilophosaurus was a carnivorous dinosaur that was speedy and walked on two legs. It had two semi-circle crests on its head, three-fingered hands with claws, and four-toed feet. They may have traveled in packs." Albanese emphasized that the ripple marks that are present in the shale are also of scientific value and interest. "The ancient lakeshore mud formed these ripple marks," she said. Scientifically, according to Albanese, they can be analyzed to determine water motion and depth during the Jurassic period in which they were created. Due to the varying direction of the ripple marks, one can also see the multiple directions of water movement during the period as well. "I think it is important to learn about the past, whether scientific or social history," she said. "This program hopes to teach some scientific history." Albanese became interested in dinosaurs at a young age. "I remember making a fossil mold in the third grade with a fish and a variety of other imprints," she said. "Going to the Museum of Natural History in New York City was always so much fun because of the giant dinosaur in the lobby. The Connecticut Valley only encouraged this side interest as you can walk around and see evidence of real tracks." Unlike in a classroom, Albanese will have real examples of dinosaur tracks in front of the children. "Children will have fun and learn in a nonclassroom setting," she added. "Parents should encourage their children to attend because it will be fun, educational and adventurous as we try to relive the past." Albanese noted that it is important for all of us to learn about the past in order to understand the present and the future. "Imagine a world with giant monsters roaming around," she said. "Their extinction will not be covered too in-depth in my program but it is important to know because we don't understand it. We don't fully know what happened to the dinosaurs but no one can say it won't happen to us." Engaging children in science at an early age is important, according to Albanese. "I know science is not for everyone, but this will be a positive experience for children of all ages," she said. Albanese has a variety of learning activities planned in conjunction with the lecture. For younger children, coloring options and other artistic venues will be explored. For children ages eight to 10, they will be able to make a mold or a fossil. Older children will participate in more scientific activities including measuring dinosaur tracks, comparing them to their own footprints, and then discussing their findings. "First and most importantly, I hope children will have fun," said Albanese. "I want them to take away some understanding and knowledge about the tracks. Finally, I want to spark an interest and make them curious for further study." For more information on the program or to register, call 322-5660. |