Half-size to full-size dinosaurs that move and sound as much like the real thing as experts can make them are the stars of a new exhibit at the Chicago Academy of Sciences that debuts on Saturday. Created by Dinamation International Corp., the 10 dinosaurs and 2 other prehistoric creatures range from 5 to 15 feet in height and up to 75 feet in length. Because those dimensions don`t adapt too well to the confines of the museum, the creatures will be housed in a giant tentlike building just south of the museum. Various educational and hands-on displays will be set up in the academy itself. ”The dinosaurs move very subtly,” notes Kathe Crowley of the academy. ”They will be set up in lifelike settings, and one may be munching on something and then rear its head. It`s kind of eerie.” She says the dinosaurs` sounds are based on modern reptilian sounds modified for the prehistoric creatures` huge size. ”The exhibit will attract kids because they love dinosaurs and because it`s fun,” Crowley says. ”But they`ll leave the museum knowing a lot more about dinosaurs. It will be painless learning.”
Dino-Rama!; Chicago Academy of Sciences, 2001 N. Clark St.; opening ceremonies noon Saturday (first 1,000 people will receive dinosaur prizes);
exhibit open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, beginning Saturday and continuing through Sept. 5; $4, children $2.50; 871-DINO.
