TVOKids welcomes Canadian paleontologist Scott Sampson from "Dinosaur Train,"
live on Friday May 7 2010

    
    -   Dino expert takes kids' questions on all things dinosaur live from 5
        to 7 pm ET during TVOKids' afternoon program block, The Space

    -   Kids are invited to phone in toll-free with questions or submit them
        online at tvokids.com
    

TORONTO, April 28 /CNW/ - What does a Triceratops like to eat? How big are a dinosaur's teeth? Who's faster: a T-rex or a Spinosaurus? How much does a dinosaur weigh? On Friday May 7, kids can satisfy their curiosity on all things dinosaur as Canadian paleontologist Scott Sampson of the animated series Dinosaur Train comes to TVOKids for a special live and interactive visit.

"Dr. Scott" is a consultant on Dinosaur Train and also appears in live-action segments on the show. He will join TVOKids host Kara Harun live in The Space, TVOKids' afternoon programming block, from 5 to 7 pm ET. Dr. Scott and Kara will appear during the hosted breaks between shows to answer questions from kids about the creatures that inhabited the prehistoric world, what Dr. Scott does for Dinosaur Train and what his job as a paleontologist involves. Kids are invited to phone in toll-free at 1.888.886.5437 to talk to Dr. Scott. They can also submit their questions in advance online in the "Contact" forum at tvokids.com starting this Friday April 30.

"Every child has a fascination with dinosaurs - and that fascination still lives in me even now," says Kara Harun. "There's always something we've always wanted to know about dinosaurs. Dr. Scott's visit offers a fun opportunity to get that answer in real time. I hope kids dig deep into their imaginations, call or email us with all their questions, and be part of an exciting discussion."

Dinosaur Train follows the adventures of a curious T-rex named Buddy who, along with his adoptive family - Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon and siblings Tiny, Shiny and Don - boards a magical train and journeys through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to meet other dinosaurs, creatures and reptiles. Their adventures inspire kids at home to think like scientists by asking questions and making observations.

Dinosaur Train airs on TVO weekdays at 7:30 am, 12:30 pm and 4:40 pm, and Sundays at 10:40 am.

About Scott Sampson

Scott Sampson, the paleontology consultant on Dinosaur Train, received his PhD in zoology from the University of Toronto. His current research focuses on evidence in Utah of previously unknown dinosaur fauna. Sampson has lectured extensively to audiences of all ages on dinosaurs and is now pursuing a range of new projects focused on education. He was the primary scientific consultant and on-air host of a four-part television series called Dinosaur Planet. He is the author of Dinosaur Odyssey: Fossil Threads in the Web of Life (University of California Press, 2009), a comprehensive review of dinosaur paleontology for a general audience. His next book will look at radical reform of science education as a key factor in resolving the current sustainability crisis.

About TVO

TVO is Ontario's public educational media organization and a trusted source of interactive educational content that informs, inspires and stimulates curiosity and thought. TVO's vision is to empower people to be engaged citizens of Ontario through educational media. For more information, visit tvo.org.

Where to find TVO

Cable channel 2 (channel may vary in some areas), Bell TV channel 265, Shaw Direct channel 353.

For further information: Media contact: Angela Garde, TVO Communications, [phone] x 2305, [email protected]