“Three permanent exhibits were developed to explore how scientists study, how nature works and how the unique geographic conditions of Virginia helped to preserve an abundance of fossil records. Theatrical techniques and animations were used in unexpected places to help visitors understand how the environments changed through deep time according to the evidence scientists have discovered,” said executive creative director Tony Reich. Art director Edmund Li continued, “‘How Nature Works: Life’ Gallery: Beneath the apparently chaotic surface of what we see, there are understandable natural processes creating change. The main display is a series of internally illuminated ‘Forest of Plants’ with an overhead, animated LED sun demonstrating how the sun's energy is captured to sustain life on earth. ‘Uncovering Virginia’ Gallery: Real science is brought to the visitors in this lab-like environment, reinforcing the message that VMNH's research is based on discovery and interpretation of scientific evidence. This interactive display depicts a dig site at Carmel Church, a site formerly underwater where a catastrophic event caused dozens of animals to collapse together 14 million years ago. The ‘ocean graveyard’ allows visitors to investigate the re-created bone bed for ancient remains. Bones when identified on screen will trigger animated images of animals overhead.”