Event 3: Natural History Museum in LA

Aragonite

On May 30th, I went with my family to the Natural History Museum. During my time there, I came across various rooms that were filled with all sorts of fascinating attractions. There was almost too much to see, but I started with the gem and mineral hall. It was amazing to see so many different types of minerals, crystals, gems and rocks all in one area. Each one had its own unique size, shape, color, and texture to it: Mesolite on Apophyllite had an illusion that it was straightened white fur forming out of a rock, but if you looked closely, it had a crystalline pattern. Barite had a unique red glow to it, having combinations of both smooth and rough texture. The Mojave Nugget is made out of pure gold and weight 156 troy ounces; it is labeled as the largest known gold nugget from California. Probably the most interesting to me was Aragonite from Xichang, Sichuan Province, China. It had different variations of blue spilled all around it with different shapes protruding from all edges. Judging from appearance, it carried both gems and minerals in it.

Mojave Nugget

An assortment of all sorts of gems and minerals

Next, I visited the dinosaur section. The exhibit was large; it held more dinosaurs than I could imagine, some of them which I have never even seen before. It was interesting to read in one of the descriptions how dinosaurs attracted mates. I learned that many dinosaurs expressed different features such as horns, crests, and frills on their headgear. While comparing the different triceratops’ skulls, I was able to differentiate between the two seemingly alike creatures. My favorite dinosaur is the brachiosaurus. It’s long and protruding neck was so fascinating to me. Looking at its size, it is hard to imagine that these dinosaurs were living on Earth just as how we humans are now.

Left to Right: Brachiosaurus and Triceratops

Lastly, I visited the North American Diorama Hall. All of the animals looked so natural and real; I saw moose, cats, bears, deer, horses, elephants, buffalo, and much more. While witnessing all of these different animals, it reminded me of how biotech relates to art. It is intriguing to think how scientists are capable to preserve the entirety on the animal while still making it appear real. Only through advanced technology in biology was this made possible. Overall, my experience at the museum was really special. I truly gained further insights into how science can connect with art, and how through this connection, such a beautiful attraction like the Natural History Museum could be formed.

Buffalo in the North American Diorama Hall