The educational program ‘’The Deinotherium and the animals of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos’’ is inspired by the findings of paleontological research in Lesvos and introduces children with a pleasant and fun way to the world of  the animals of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos. After getting to know the Petrified Forest of Lesvos through its plant fossils, the children discover the Deinotherium and the animal fossils, which are called to identify, study their characteristics and their habits. Radio chronologies will provide information on the age of the animals. Are they connected to the subtropical forest that covered the region 20 million years ago? What kind of animals were they and what is the history of the family that includes them? What conclusions can we draw about the past based on the animal fossils of this animal family?

The program includes:

• Familiarity with basic concepts such as fossil, evolution, paleoenvironment, palaeogeographical reconstruction, migration, geographical barriers.

• Use of digital educational application for the acquaintance with the Petrified Forest of Lesvos, its plant species and the process of preservation of its fossils.

• Acquaintance with the unique fossils of Deinotherium and micro-mammals from Western Lesvos.

• Tour of the Museum’s exhibition halls and acquaintance with fossils of proboscidean animals from other parts of Greece.

• Acquaintance with extinct and modern species of proboscidean animals.

• Activity for the evolution of proboscideans over time.

• Observation of fossils and their comparison for the purpose of identification.

• Study of maps to draw conclusions regarding the palaeogeography of the Eastern Mediterranean area based on the presence of fossils of proboscideans.

• Recording the findings in the special educational cards.

• Composition of observations, extraction and presentation of conclusions.