Denver Museum of Science and Nature

Overview

Should Christians be afraid of natural history museums that promote evolution so heavily in their exhibits? Not when they are equipped with the truth about the earth´s history and have a discerning eye. A trip to museums, like the Denver Museum of Science and Nature, can be a great time to teach your family or other Christians how to distinguish facts from interpretations. You´ll also get to see some of the best modern displays of dinosaurs and other animals here as well.

Authentic fossil dinosaur bones of a Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and an impressive cast of a T. rex stand ready to greet guests entering the Prehistoric Journey gallery. Here, you will see dioramas of ancient environments that have been reconstructed to match the standard evolutionary timeframe of millions of years. Use this time to discuss how the debate on the age of the earth and the fossil record is not so much about the facts or evidence but more about the interpretations, based on beliefs about the past. As you study the dioramas of the supposed timeframes, talk to your family about the exotic environments that God created and later destroyed in the worldwide Flood. Refer to the charts on pp. 45-45 and 49 in the Answers Planet Earth issue for the biblical alternative to the evolutionary-based interpretation of the fossil record. The October–December 2013 and the October–December 2014 issues would also be helpful.

There´s no doubt that children will be full of questions as they view the astounding displays of dinosaurs and other creatures. This museum gives parents ample opportunities to explain to their children why the Bible provides a better explanation for the facts about our history. And they will be better equipped to discern facts from beliefs as they apply what they learn here to everyday life.

Points of Interest

Prehistoric Journey

The Prehistoric Journey is filled with stunning dinosaur bones, realistic sound effects, and interesting dioramas that place these creatures in ancient environments. Besides each diorama you will find a case with a photograph of what the site might look like today with the fossils being dug out from the various sites. Explain to your children that fossils don’t come with tags on them, telling us how old they are. The facts about the fossils must be interpreted based on a person’s starting point—the Bible’s truth or man’s fallible reasoning and dating methods.

Additional Resources

Faith, Reason, and Earth History by Leonard Brand

Helpful Tips

• Consider purchasing tickets ahead of time to avoid standing in ticket lines.
• The Discovery Zone (open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) offers children a hands-on experience that helps them remember what they learn in the museum.
• The Denver Museum of Science and Nature has several current and upcoming exhibitions which are listed at http://www.dmns.org/exhibitions/.
• Be prepared before your visit. Teacher resource guides are available at http://www.dmns.org/teachers/resources?search=%20%20%200
• Main website: http://www.dmns.org/
• Plan Your Visit: http://www.dmns.org/plan-your-visit/
• Just outside Denver is Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison, Colorado), where you can see dinosaur trackways right by the side of the road.