A celebrity scientist will be choo-chooing into The Exploration Place this weekend.
Dr. Scott, the affable human in the popular animated show Dinosaur Train, will be live and in person in Prince George to meet with children and adults in turn and talk about the enormous inhabitants of earth long before people or cartoons set foot here.
In addition to being the star of Dinosaur Train, Dr. Scott Sampson is also the new CEO of Science World in Vancouver and he is making Prince George one of his first official visits, since evidence of prehistoric beasts has played such a prominent role in our local culture around northern B.C.
His first appearance is Sunday at 1 p.m. when families are invited to attend for free (limit is 120, first come-first serve) to hear about the shallow sea that covered the northwestern part of North America for millions of years and gave us part of our own local dino story.
Today we call this long disappeared water body Laramidia.
A book signing will follow the discussion about Laramidia and its many forms of life.
The second appearance for Dr. Scott will be Monday at 7 p.m. in a lecture more attuned to older youth and adults.
Sampson will present his book How To Raise A Wild Child and will make time for questions and answers, as well as a book signing afterwards.
It is also free to attend (120 people limit) with a cash bar on-site.
"American children currently spend about seven hours a day staring at screens, versus seven minutes playing outdoors," said a statement about the book.
"Yet recent research indicates that abundant experience in nature is essential for healthy growth. Regular exposure to natural settings can help relieve stress, depression, and attention deficits. It can reduce bullying, combat illness, and boost academic scores. Most critical of all, abundant time in nature can yield long-term benefits in children's cognitive, emotional, and social development.
"Tapping into the latest research findings summarized in (How To Raise A Wild Child), Sampson offers timely guidance to parents, educators, and others interested in mentoring strong bonds between children and nature."
"This is a great addition to our programming here in Prince George and is another example of the great partnership we have with Science World," said Tracy Calogheros, CEO of The Exploration Place.
"Scott is an engaging speaker and an interesting man so don't miss this great chance to expand your mind and explore the world around you."
