Dueling Dinosaurs ‘Fossil Interactive’

Dueling Dinosaurs audiences are hands-on excavating a virtual fossil using the same tools as SECU Dinolab paleontologists in this touchscreen game.  

Game Engine Optimization, Design, and Kiosk Deployment

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh, North Carolina

Interactive Exhibit

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.

Technology Stack

Game Engine
Unity
Physics
Optimized Simulation
Graphics
High-Res Models
Platform
Windows Touchscreen

Key Features

1
Virtual Laboratory Tools
Integrated virtual tools such as air scribe, carbide needle, and brush—each with realistic behaviors for cleaning fossils.
2
Advanced Physics Simulation
Enhanced physics simulations provide realistic feedback, ensuring the rock and fossil respond accurately to user inputs.
3
Educational Guidance
Instructional overlays and warnings guide users through the proper fossil preparation process, balancing fun with education.
4
Gamified Challenges
Special challenges with time limits encourage engagement and help visitors understand the patience required for real preparation.

Client: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

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.