Chevron has partnered with the Discovery Center of Idaho to bring a brand new, long-term
Tyrannosaurus rex (T-rex) exhibition to Idaho opening at the Discovery Center Friday, November 22nd,
2019. Chevron will be the Presenting Sponsor of this 1,000 square-foot exhibition, which will feature a
two-thirds scale juvenile cast T-rex skeleton called ‘Tinker’ and include hands-on STEM-based exhibits
with rich educational content.
In support of the costs associated with building and installing Tinker the T-rex exhibition, Chevron has
donated $75,000 to the Discovery Center of Idaho. Chevron believes effective education including
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) will foster bright young talent for the future workforce
and healthy economic growth for the country.
The Discovery Center of Idaho is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit hands-on science center with a mission of inspiring
lifelong interest and learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The exhibition’s
individual hands-on exhibits will be designed and built by the Discovery Center’s Exhibits Team in the
Micron Innovation Lab located within the Center. Construction of the interactive exhibits will be underway
within the next few months.
Tinker the T-rex exhibition will become part of the Discovery Center of Idaho’s permanent collection and
is sure to be a favorite among visitors for years to come. This exhibition will provide a fascinating
opportunity to help foster student and community understanding of natural history related to prehistoric
fossils. Tinker is the most complete skeleton of a juvenile T-rex, providing a great opportunity to study the
build and athletic prowess of a young T. rex.
The Discovery Center’s Education Department will also develop Teacher Resource Packets specifically
for the exhibition. These Resource Packets will be disseminated to all teachers participating in a field trip
to the Discovery Center and will support curriculum integration into the participating classrooms across
Idaho.
The Discovery Center’s STEM Field Trip Program annually supports over 225 field trips to approximately
11,000 participants, providing a unique opportunity for Idaho students to experience the wonders of
STEM outside the classroom that many would otherwise not receive. During a STEM Field Trip students
are actively and directly involved in STEM exploration, igniting an interest in science, technology,
engineering, and math. Each exhibit station allows for hypothesizing, experimentation, and drawing
conclusions (a replica of the scientific method) as students explore and interact with the diverse exhibits
at the Center with their classmates and teachers.
Eric Miller, Executive Director at Discovery Center of Idaho: “Everybody loves dinosaurs, and T-rex is the
biggest star of them all. With generous support from Chevron, this engaging, hands-on exhibition will set
a new standard at the Center in terms of content, design, interactivity and Wow! I can’t wait for the
unveiling!”
Tyler Kruzich, Corporate Affairs Manager at Chevron: “Chevron is committed to the communities where
we live and operate. In Idaho, that means supporting partners like the Discovery Center that promote
STEM learning. Chevron is a strong supporter of STEM education because we rely on STEM
professionals in everything we do. With this exciting exhibition, we hope to attract Idahoans of all ages to
the Discovery Center so that we can spark more interest in STEM careers.”
Sponsors
Tinker the T-rex is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Chevron. Chevron believes effective
education including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will foster bright young talent for
the future workforce and healthy economic growth for the country. Together, we can help advance STEM
education for today’s youth.
