Calgarians with an interest in fossils, dinosaurs and the history of life on Earth will have a chance to hear from one of the world’s leading palaeontologists later this month during a special adults only event at TELUS Spark Science Centre.
On Wednesday, July 29, TELUS Spark will welcome Dr. Jean-Bernard Caron for Fossil Treasures from the Burgess Shale, an evening exploring one of Canada’s most significant fossil discoveries. Dr. Caron, the Richard M. Ivey Curator of Invertebrate Palaeontology at the Royal Ontario Museum, will discuss more than a century of research into the Burgess Shale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains that has transformed scientists’ understanding of early animal life.
The Burgess Shale preserves remarkably detailed fossils dating back more than 500 million years, offering a rare glimpse into the Cambrian Period when many of the world’s earliest complex animals first appeared. During the presentation, attendees will learn about the site’s discovery, the Royal Ontario Museum’s ongoing fieldwork and some of its most unusual fossil finds, many of which continue to reshape ideas about evolution.
According to TELUS Spark, this will be Dr. Caron’s only public presentation in Western Canada, making it a unique opportunity for Calgary audiences to hear directly from one of the scientists leading research on the internationally renowned fossil beds.
The evening begins at 6 p.m., giving guests time to explore SUE: The T. rex Experience before the talk starts at 7:15 p.m. in the Infinity Dome theatre. The Spark Store will also be open and refreshments will be available for purchase before the presentation.
Tickets are $28 for both members and non members, with free parking included for members and paid parking available for non members. Attendance is limited and advance booking is recommended.
The event is designed for adults with an interest in palaeontology, evolution, natural history and the Canadian Rockies, offering a chance to hear first hand about discoveries that continue to reveal how life on Earth evolved hundreds of millions of years before the age of the dinosaurs.
Learn more about Spark at sparkscience.ca.
