Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

 on display at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History

HCR 16, 81st R.S. (2009), designating Paluxysaurus jonesi as the official Lone Star State Dinosaur, replacing Brachiosaur Sauropod, Pleurocoelus. 


State Bill.PNG

HCR 16

, refers to the nearby town of Paluxy, Texas, and the Paluxy River, both located near the W.W. Jones Ranch where the fossils were discovered. The area is also famous for dinosaur trackways, including those found along the Paluxy River at Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose.

Initially, the fossils were believed to be that of Pleurocoelus, another 

period sauropod. However, a study published in 2007 revealed that the fossils previously attributed to Pleurocoelus belonged to a new species.

In order to recognize the significance of this paleontological discovery, 

 through House Concurrent Resolution No. 16, approved by the 81st Texas Legislature on June 19, 2009.

Watch Paluxysaurus jonesi be installed in the atrium at the Fort Worth

The Official State Dinosaur of Texas

Dr. Louis Jacobs and Dr. Bonnie Jacobs lecture to a group of SMU students, Jones Ranch excavation site. Hood County, Texas, 1998. 

Background Knowledge: Dino Detective

A Not So Brief History of Earth, Fort Worth Museum of Science & History.

There is also a PDF of this under "Additional Resources" if you'd like to pull it up for easier reading.

Geological Timeline: The Cretaceous Period

Use the textbox or paint annotation tools to identify each definition or example as either:

The Types of Fossils slides are linked below for you, to review the information if needed.

Engagement 1: Match that Fossil

Use the annotation tools to answer the reflection questions.

Engagement 2: The Past & Present of the Lonestar State

There is an ongoing scientific debate about whether 

are separate species. Some paleontologists suggest that 

Two or more of the same thing with no significant minor differences. Synonymous species would refer to the same species known by two different names.

Let's do a little research and let you decide on your own opinion!

Sauropod Giants

Use the annotation tools to compare and contrast the sauropod dinosaurs! You can draw or add a text box.

The Sauropod Giants information is attached under "Additional Resources" if you need to refer back to it. 

Engagement 3: Saruoposeidon vs. Paluxysaurus 

It's time to put your skills to the test in this Escape Room and uncover the 112-million-year-old mystery!

Engagement 4: Solve the Cretaceous Mystery! 

can form in a few different ways including: permineralization, amber and imprints. These fascinating treasures are like nature's time capsules!

Scroll through to learn more about these different processes.

How are Fossils Formed?

Paleontologists have been able to find evidence of many different dinosaur species in the state of Texas, including the official state dinosaur, Paluxysaurus jonesi. These dinosaur species range from small to gigantic and from quieter plant eaters (herbivores) to the most ferocious meat eaters (carnivores). Evidence has been found different locations in the Lone Star State. Explore the hotspots to learn more about what paleontologists have discovered at these sites!

Geologic Map of Texas

Step into the world of dinosaurs with CSI: Cretaceous Science Investigation! Become a dino detective and discover how fossils are formed, learn about Earth’s history, and explore amazing dinosaurs that lived in Texas long ago. You’ll even learn about the official state dinosaur of Texas. Get ready to dig into the past, discover secrets from millions of years ago and solve the Cretaceous mystery!

Educator Overview - CSI_ Cretaceous Science Investigation.pdf

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

CSI: Cretaceous Science Investigation

The Official State Dinosaur of Texas

Guiding Question