Dinosaurs focus of 'Fossil Guy'

There are two opportunities to take in one of the "Fossil Guy's" talks and hands-on events before the end of the semester.Donald Johnson, aka the "Fossil Guy," will give a talk titled "What Makes a Dinosaur" at 1 and 2 p.m. Saturday.

His last engagement of the semester, "Life During the Ice Age," will be at 1 and 2 p.m. April 2.Both events are free and will be in the University of Iowa's Macbride Hall.In addition to the talks, fossil remains of prehistoric animals will be on display for audience members to view and touch, and children's activities, such as an area to draw favorite dinosaurs, will be available.

"People don't have to sit still for the whole hour and the children can't do that anyways," Johnson said.

Johnson hosts events during both semesters.

More than 300 students and community members have attended at a time.

Though he gears his talks and presentations towards an audience of all ages, there's enough information given that adults don't leave feeling as though it is a wasted trip, Johnson said.

"It is amazing how many parents and grandparents get there," he said. "They are the ones who ask me all the questions."At Saturday's event he will be exploring dinosaur origins and the link between birds, crocodiles and dinosaurs.On April 2, he will focus on mammoths as well as provide an update on UI's giant sloth excavation.David Brenzel, UI Museum of Natural History program coordinator, encourages the community to take in one of the remaining events.

"It is a real opportunity to get close and actually touch some fossils," Brenzel said.