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In the Community article:
Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries at Fernbank Museum
April 22, 2009
Source: Community Partnership Update/May 2009
 Embark on a global adventure of science and discovery as prehistoric dinosaurs come to life at Fernbank Museum.
By using a combination of recent major fossil finds, captivating computer simulations and provocative life-sized models, the Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries exhibit highlights cutting-edge research by leading paleontologists around the world to introduce a dynamic, new vision of dinosaurs and the scientists who study them.
On display at Fernbank Museum (767 Clifton Road) until August 16, the exhibit reveals how new developments in science have advanced the understanding of dinosaurs over the past two decades. Featuring a wide range of fossil specimens and interactive components, Dinosaurs presents the most up-to-date look at how scientists are interpreting many of the most persistent and puzzling mysteries about dinosaurs: how they looked, behaved, moved and ultimately, the hotly debated theories of why -- and if -- they became extinct.
As visitors learn about the newest ways of analyzing fossils, they can also examine color graphics and CT scans of the relatively recent fossil discovery of Bambiraptor feinbergi, a small carnivorous, feathered dinosaur that could provide evidence that modern birds are an evolutionary link to dinosaurs.
For those wanting a deeper exploration of the exhibit, computer drawings reveal how a 60-foot model of an Apatosaurus skeleton was constructed to showcase the full range of vertebral movements of this huge, long-necked creature.
 Interactive components also allow visitors to use modern computer technology to calculate the speed of a T. rex by changing its center of mass, posture and muscle mass or determine how a long-necked sauropod would, or wouldn't, have been able to move its neck and tail.
Dinosaur experts and enthusiasts alike wonder what happened to the dinosaurs. Visitors can explore the hard evidence for theories on the possible events that ended the Age of Dinosaurs, including asteroid impact, global climate change and massive volcanic eruptions.
Dinosaurs shows that paleontology is more than digging up bones. With the latest technology and knowledge from biologists, physiologists, engineers and others, more information is known now than ever before about how dinosaurs lived, moved and died -- making it a truly fascinating exhibition.
See the dinosaurs come to life on the giant screen through stunning computer animation. View Dinosaurs Alive! in Fernbank IMAX® Theatre. Visit www.fernbankmuseum.org for more information.
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