Dinosaurs

Gr 10 Up-The focus here is on a team of paleontologists analyzing the petrified tracks of an extinct raptor called a troodontidae, a possible evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds. The tracks are of particular importance because they suggest how the animals walked and hunted, information that is difficult to learn from studying fossils. Complications arise due to the location of the tracks: what was a tropical lagoon in prehistoric times is now located inside a valuable stone quarry in northern Germany. The quarry owner begrudgingly permits the scientists to conduct their research, often threatening to withdraw their access to the site. The prehistoric creatures come to life with computer animation, and the program demonstrates how the animators use their artistry and technology to achieve the realism. A narrator describes the proceedings well; however, he also is the translator for the German scientists, which leads to some confusion during conversations between two or more people. Due to the language barrier and the amount of detail given to studying muddy footprints, this program likely will not hold the attention of casual viewers. It should appeal to students already curious about paleontology.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY