The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t stopping the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) from hosting their annual ‘Dinovember’ this month.
This year’s version of the fan-favourite event will feature interactive virtual activities to allow people to engage from the comfort of their own home.
RSM’s Sarah Schaffer says it was important to the museum to celebrate Dinovember in any way possible.
“We’re inviting everyone to join us virtually to celebrate all things dinosaur,” said Schaffer. “Saskatchewan’s really lucky to have had dinosaurs here in the past, so we like to celebrate them every year.”
One of ways people can interact virtually is by participating in the ‘Where’s your Dino?’ photo contest through the new Dinos in 3D app.
“That will allow you to create augmented reality of little dinosaurs that you can put into any situation and take pictures,” said Schaffer. “You can make a little T-Rex show up on your hand, or on top of your head, or maybe in a picture with your cat or your kids.”
To interact with the app, you’ll need a 3D dino card, which are available at the RSM or for download on the museum’s website.
There is also an app called ‘GuidiGO’ which will allow you to take a tour of the CN T.Rex Gallery, the home of the world’s largest T-Rex, Scotty.
Schaffer says she is always excited for Dinovember, but this year is especially interesting.
“Everyone loves dinosaurs, I haven’t found an age group that doesn’t love dinosaurs,” said Schaffer. “Dinovember is always popular because of the popularity of dinosaurs, and this year we’re hoping to reach actually through our virtual network, we’re hoping to reach out even further to other people who maybe don’t know about the RSM and just let them know what great dinosaurs we have here in Saskatchewan,”
Other Dinovember events include: on Nov. 19, the museum is hosting a live paleo lab tour on its Facebook page at 1:30 p.m, and on Nov. 24, paleontologist Dr. W. Scott Persons will take part in a Facebook Live discussion from 4:30-5 p.m. about his new book, Mega-Rex: A Tyrannosaurus Named Scotty.
The museum is also open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
All visitors over three years old are required to wear a mask, which are also available for purchase on-site.
