Gwangju Science Center Successfully Concludes 1st Science Exploration Camp... From Dinosaurs to Stars

Exploring the Hwasun Dinosaur Footprint Fossil Site
Participants Enthusiastic About Observatory Stargazing and More

Walking along the footprints of dinosaurs and spreading the wings of imagination under the starlight. The National Gwangju Science Museum announced on the 26th that its recently held "1st Science Exploration Program" concluded successfully with enthusiastic participation from all over the country.

This exploration camp, held outside the science museum, is a convergence experience program that combines natural science exploration and astronomy education. Although it was centered in the Honam region, participants from Seoul and the metropolitan area also joined, drawing nationwide attention.

Participants of the science exploration camp are measuring footprint lengths and estimating dinosaur sizes at the Seoyuri Dinosaur Footprint Fossil Site in Hwasun. Photo by Gwangju Science Museum

Participants attended a theoretical lecture on dinosaurs at the Gwangju Science Museum, then visited the Hwasun Seoyuri Dinosaur Footprint Fossil Site to conduct a hands-on exploration with expert commentary. On site, they observed and classified dinosaur footprints and engaged in activities such as estimating the size of the dinosaurs.

After the exploration, participants observed the night sky with a large telescope at the National Gwangju Science Museum Starlight Observatory. Looking up at the vast universe, they shifted their focus from the age of dinosaurs to the world of stars.

This camp was planned after the appointment of Director Lee Junggu, a paleontology expert, and provided families and friends with an opportunity to satisfy their scientific curiosity and emotions together over two days and one night. The science museum plans to establish this program as a representative experiential education content.

A participating parent said, "These were special moments that are hard to experience in everyday life," and added, "Science approached us not just as knowledge, but as a story to share with family." Jang Sungjae, a researcher at the Science Education Office, said, "The 2nd Science Exploration Camp is scheduled for April 19," and added, "As a leading science museum in the Honam region, we will continue to expand programs that combine field exploration and hands-on experiences."

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