Life-size Velociraptor skeleton soon available as 3D print

Donate to Dinosaurs in the Classroom: //www.gofundme.com/o2mzyc

"For years, I've thought about merging my two biggest passions - dinosaurs and art. A few years back, I decided I wanted to become a paleo-artist with a focus on bringing dinosaurs to kids, no matter what their socioeconomic background or upbringing. I also decided that if I did this, the dinosaurs couldn't just be static museum skeletons behind glass or out of reach of "little hands." With those decisions made and a lot of planning over a couple of years, I came up with the Bring Dinosaurs to the Classroom campaign.

This campaign will involve the creation of a 3D sculpted, 3D printed Velociraptor skeleton at 1-to-1 scale, as well as bones, arms, legs, and skulls of larger and smaller species of dinosaurs. Once the "master" bones are 3D printed, they will be used to create molds from which resin replicas will be cast. From there, the casts will be painted and mounted in different poses. The masters will then be catalogued and stored (much like real dinosaur bones) until they are needed to create new molds. The best part about this process is the materials that can be used in the casting process. I will be able to cast the skeletons in extremely durable materials, including flexible rubbers. This will allow the replicas to be handled without being damaged immediately. Any pieces that might get damaged can easily be replaced quickly and very cheaply.

All of the preparation and creation of the skeletons will lead up to interactive, tactile educational programs for schools everywhere. One of the biggest points I would like to push with these skeletons is that I want children (and adults) to be able to touch them. For a child, tactile contact is one of the strongest ways to connect with something, and I want children to be able to experience that connection with dinosaurs. This won't be like your standard museum experience. Children and adults alike will be able to touch and handle the dinosaur replica bones and skeletons.

As the program progresses, there will  be an online store where schools and other educational facilities can rent or purchase replicas of skulls, bones, claws, and full skeletons at varying scales. Each rental or purchase will come with a small information book, as well as lesson plans and teaching ideas for different grade levels. Each purchased skeleton will be made to order and can be posed however the client would like. The rentals will have several set poses from which clients can choose.

The ultimate goal of this project is to inspire children and adults, alike by bringing world class, scientifically accurate fossil replicas and educational programs to everyone, not just those who can afford field trips to big museums. "Everyone has the right to enjoy these animals" -Richard Attenborough in "Jurassic Park".