Dueling Dinosaurs ‘Fossil Prep Interactive’

An interactive game that lets Dueling Dinosaurs get hands-on excavating a virtual fossil using the same tools as SECU Dinolab paleontologists.  

Game Engine Optimization, Design, and Kiosk Deployment

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh, North Carolina

Dueling Dinosaurs Fossil Preparation Interactive

Engaging Visitors with Hands-on Fossil Preparation

Project Summary

An interactive game developed in the Unity game engine, allowing visitors to virtually participate in the fossil preparation process. This interactive aims to educate visitors on the delicate work of fossil excavation and preparation through an engaging, hands-on experience.

Tools

  • Game Engine: Unity
  • Physics Simulation: Optimized physics simulations for realistic tool interactions
  • Graphics: High-resolution fossil models and textures
  • Input Devices: Touchscreen monitors

Implementation

  • Inherited Working Demo: Built upon an existing demo to create a fully functional interactive game.
  • Kiosk Environment: Configured the game to run on Windows PCs in kiosk mode, using touchscreen monitors for direct interaction.
  • Tool Selection: Integrated various virtual tools such as air scribe, carbide needle, brush, and archival adhesive, each with specific functions and realistic behaviors.
  • Physics Optimization: Enhanced physics simulations to provide a realistic experience, ensuring accurate response to user inputs.
  • Educational Content: Included instructional overlays and warnings to guide users through the fossil preparation process.
  • Time-bound Challenges: Added special challenges to finish tasks within specific time limits, encouraging engagement and learning.
An instructional graphic titled 'How to Play' showing a game interface for removing a fossil from a rock. It includes sections for tool selection, goal description, progress and fossil health bars, a large image of a fossil, and preparation tools with options like Airscribe, Carbide Needle, Brush, and Archival Adhesive. Arrows and labels indicate where to choose tools, start or get help, track scores, and check instructions.
A visual guide for removing a fossil rock, featuring a goal to leave the fossil intact, with special challenge points for completing the task efficiently and effectively. The tools listed include an air scribe, carbide needle, brush, and archival adhesive, each with brief usage instructions.
Interactive exhibit with digital screens and informational displays about sharks, located in a modern indoor public space, possibly a science center or museum.
Interactive exhibit about fossil conservation with a digital screen showing instructions, located inside a modern science or museum space, with work stations and equipment visible through a glass wall.