Uh-oh. Mad scientists are just about to descend on Las Vegas Natural History Museum, for “Dino-Ween”!

And it’s going to be a blast.

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“It’s one of the most fun days of the year, at the museum,” says LVNHM Co-Executive Director Kate Porter.

“Dino-Ween” is LVNHM’s annual Halloween celebration–with the “resident” dinosaurs center stage. And the goal: to relate natural science to everyone’s world, while showing just how cool science can be.

Think: special effects, maker activities and thermodynamics. In a setting that’s part Halloween haunt, part educational experience and completely fun.

Items appear to float in mid-air. Staff don “mad scientist” lab coats and conduct Venus flytrap and bat-making workshops. And some of the pumpkins may not be feeling too well…with astonishing results!

This year’s “Dino-Ween” happens Friday, October 28th, at Las Vegas Natural History Museum, from 10 am to 3 pm. The theme: “Mad Science Lab”. And you’re invited!

Meanwhile, if you don’t happen to be in the Las Vegas area, you don’t have to miss all the fun. LVNHM has some great online resources–including videos on making cool stuff, like Halloween slime, on their Facebook page!

Kate offered a preview of what’s going to be happening at this unique celebration, shared a behind-the-scenes view of the festivities and a look ahead at what’s next!

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• What’s going to be happening for this year’s “Dino-Ween”;

• How this special event came about and evolved;

• An additional celebration which visitors may like to experience;

• A state holiday, unique to Nevada, which the community is celebrating;

• What visitors will experience when they come into “Dino-Ween 2022”;

• A closer look at the science and technology behind some of the Halloween effects;

• An introduction to some of the dinosaurs at LVNHM!:

• One of Kate’s favorite crowd-pleasing Halloween surprises;

• A look at some of the science demonstrations and workshops that will be happening, along the spectrum: from “gross for Halloween” right up to “family crafts”.

• Some of the makers/tech experts whose expertise is making “Dino-Ween” possible;

• The online resources LVNHM offers, for anyone who can’t be there in-person;

• What Kate and the LVNHM staff will be doing on October 28th;

• A preview of one “surprise” to look for;

• The best challenge/opportunity Kate has experienced, in developing “Dino-Ween” into the event it has become;

• A cool technological soon-to-be addition, coming in 2023;

• Another interesting program happening at LVNHM on Halloween weekend!;

• The role of storytelling in the museum’s educational activities;

• Kate’s vision for the future;

• What LVNHM need most, as they continue their mission of inspiring and educating;

• And, what’s next!