Dinosaur Diorama Rules - Kings Dominion

“Welcome to the Mesozoic Era”
Dinosaur Diorama Contest 2012
Kings Dominion
Kings Dominion is proud to introduce our newest competition for our
2012 Education Days to be held on Friday, May 4 th , 11 th , 18 th , & 25 th .
Below lists the rules and judging criteria to
participate in this exciting event in
celebration of our newest attraction
Dinosaurs Alive!
Please remember to complete the team entry form and return it prior
to your visit to Kings Dominion.
The Dinosaur Diorama Contest is open to Elementary School and
Middle School students.
Dinosaur Dioramas will be judged based on three categories:
a) Structure & Design
b) Atmosphere/Correct Mesozoic time period depiction
c) Creativity
Overall Winner Trophies will be awarded in the following categories:
b. Grades 3­5
c. Grades 6­8
Teams will also be able to qualify for the following Superlative
categories:
a. Most Creative
b. Most Unique
c. Best Design
In the “Spirit of Competition” the key ingredients are creativity and
proper depiction of the time period. Doing a great job is encouraged
over spending lots of money to complete the project.

Dinosaur Diorama Rules & Judging Criteria
(a) 25 points­ Structure­ diorama box must be
a. Created using a standard sized shoe box, no larger than
12cm x 12cm x 12cm
(b) 50 points­ Background/Atmosphere
a. Depict one of the Mesozoic Time Periods.
i. Triassic Period
ii. Jurassic Period
iii. Cretaceous Period
b. This can be done through the following elements:
i. Scenery­ volcanoes, plant life, etc.
ii. Skyline
iii. Correct Dinosaurs
c. Minimum of two (2) dinosaurs displayed & dinosaur name
properly labeled
(c) 25 points­ Creativity
a. Materials used (paper, clay, blocks, etc.)
b. Construction of time period
(d) 5 points each­BONUS:
i. Additional Dinosaurs or animals are displayed &
labeled­must be correct for time period
ii. Animation (ex: movement, sound, lighting)
Each team will be given 2 minutes to present their diorama to
the judges. They will be able to explain their time period and
what they have included to properly depict that period.

Documentation
(1) Each team must attach a 3” x 5” index card to the top
or side of the diorama.
a. The front of the card should include:
i. Name of the Diorama
ii. Time Period being depicted
iii. Grade Level
iv. School Name
b. The back of the card should include:
i. Name of team members
ii. Teacher Name
iii. Teacher’s contact phone number
(2) Each team should complete and submit the team entry form
prior to their park visit. Entry form is found on the next page
of this packet.
*Please note: Dioramas will be on display leading up to judging and
awards. Immediately following the awards ceremony, dioramas will
need to be taken by each group back to their car or bus to transport
home. Kings Dominion is not responsible for dioramas left after the
awards ceremony.

Dinosaur Diorama Team Entry Form 2012
(Please submit at least one week prior to group visit)
Complete this entry form prior to the contest date at Kings Dominion.
Please send in this entry form with your groups ticket order form or
email the completed form to events@kingsdominion.com with
“Dinosaur Diorama” in the Subject line along with your park visit date.
Name of Dinosaur Diorama: _________________________
Grade Level of Entry: (circle one)
Grades 3­5 Grades 6­8
School Name: _____________________________________
Teacher Name: ____________________________________
Teacher Phone: ______________________
Teacher Email: _______________________
Members of Team:
___________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________