To help children rediscover their interest in reading, the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust is donating every P4 pupil (as well as composite P3/4, and P4/5 classes) in Dunfermline a free storybook, and offers in collaboration with Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, USA, a chance to ask questions from Paleontologist and Principal Dinosaur Researcher, Matt Lamanna.
The book, Rossie the Rabbit and his Really Big Adventure, was developed in 2018 together with Carnegie Primary School pupils and is set in Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline - where Rossie meets an unexpected creature - a Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur! Diplodocus carnegii (most commonly known as ‘Dippy’) is the famous dinosaur, a plaster cast copy of which was on display in the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow in 2019. What most people do not know is that Dippy was named after Dunfermline’s famous son Andrew Carnegie who funded its discovery. The books will be delivered to your school at the beginning of June.
Image: Matt Lamanna, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
In addition to the book, all participating schools will gain access to a YouTube video recording featuring Matt Lamanna from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Matt will explain how Dippy was discovered, and will answer any questions about dinosaurs - both in Scotland and further afield! Examples of questions Matt has answered in the past: Have you ever broken a fossil? How often are new dinosaur species found? Is Dippy a boy or a girl?
We would be delighted if your pupils would like to ask Matt a question about dinosaurs. Please email your questions by 5pm on 1 June!
You will be sent a YouTube link to Matt’s video on 14 June which you can watch with your class whenever it suits you.