De-extinction edventure land design EXPERIENCE!

THE STORY:

De-Extinction Enterprises had just announced their boldest venture yet: bringing back long-extinct creatures discovered in fossil beds across South Carolina to show off to the world at De-Extinction Edventure Land! But before the gates could open, the company needed a spark of creativity to capture the imagination of the public. That’s when they turned to Firebird Design Studio—the art students of Fisher Middle School—for help. Their mission was as thrilling as it was daunting: create promotional materials, design a tour vehicle out of a 2013 Chevy Equinox, and map out a theme park that would showcase these reborn wonders of natural history.

The students dove into their work with boundless energy, sketching logos inspired by fossilized teeth and scales, drafting poster concepts with roaring creatures silhouetted against Carolina sunsets, and debating whether their Equinox should resemble a research Jeep or a flashy tour bus. They argued over color schemes, built miniature models, and brainstormed exhibits that ranged from towering marine reptiles to delicate pterosaurs soaring above the crowd. Each idea brought new excitement—but also a reminder that this was not just a fantasy project. These were real animals, pulled back from extinction, and the stakes were far higher than their typical classroom assignment.

Some of the students whispered about the stories they knew all too well—Jurassic Park, with its escaped predators and shattered illusions. They understood that designing for De-Extinction Enterprises meant balancing spectacle with safety, wonder with caution. As the project unfolded, their work became more than just an art assignment; it was a responsibility. The students of Firebird Design Studio weren’t just shaping advertisements or a theme park map. They were crafting the very face of a new era—one that could either inspire the world or remind it of the dangers of playing with the past. And though they were nervous, their pencils, paints, and imagination burned with the courage to meet that challenge.

WHAT WE'RE DOING:

This year, our middle school art and design classes are embarking on an exciting year-long adventure inspired by dinosaurs, fossils, and the creation of a “De-Extinction Edventure Land" theme park. Students will explore art through hands-on projects like fossil field notes, DNA-inspired creature designs, architecture, character design, storytelling, fashion, theme park concept art, and so much more, while also taking part in the design of my own car, which will be transformed into a Jurassic Park–style Jeep created by the students. 

Each grade level will take on unique challenges—from symbolic self-portraits and sculpture to sustainability-themed mini golf designs—blending history, science, and art in ways that are both fun and meaningful. Along the way, students will collaborate with local partners, including ReWa, Greenville Water, Greenville Zoo, Clemson University, USC, and Roper Mountain Science Center, making real-world connections that enrich their learning. Families and community members will be invited to celebrate these projects through showcases, exhibitions, and interactive events that highlight student creativity and innovation. 

P.S. I know pterosaurs are not dinosaurs. The students will fix the name and/or the actual animal in the logo when they research and do the design work. Also, we will more-than-likely focus on fossils found in South Carolina like the mammoths, mastodons, ground sloths, and saber-toothed tigers found in formations like the Wando Formation.