Southlake City Councilman Donates Dinosaur Model to Carroll Elementary

A new prehistoric presence has arrived at Carroll Elementary School thanks to a generous community donation.

Southlake City Councilman Chuck Taggart recently donated a four-foot replica of a Velociraptor skeleton to the school’s science lab, giving students a first-hand way to explore paleontology, science, and engineering. 

“This is an incredible exhibit for our lab,” said Science teacher Natalie Eads, “being able to visualize the bones of a prehistoric animal will really help our students understand concepts like fossilization."

The detailed model was created using a 3D printer and PLA, a biodegradable thermoplastic, and is made up of more than 200 individually designed pieces—each representing a distinct dinosaur bone.

“I hope this fun replica of a will spark their imaginations," said Councilman Taggart, whose two children attended Carroll Elementary, "Maybe they'll want to find out more about prehistoric life on earth, or about 3D printing." 

School Board President Cam Bryan highlighted the broader significance of the gift. “Councilman Taggart’s donation is an example of the robust partnership we enjoy with City Council and our surrounding community,” he said. “And who knows? It might inspire a future paleontologist.”

Velociraptors were relatively small carnivorous dinosaurs that lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 to 71 million years ago. They were bipedal, feathered predators known for their long tails and distinctive sickle-shaped claws on each hind foot, believed to have been used to restrain prey.

The Velociraptor replica will be a permanent and exciting learning tool for Carroll Elementary students—blending biology, geology and design into one impressive exhibit.

"It's not a toy," said CES Principal Stacy Wagnon, "but an amazing model and we so appreciate Councilman Taggart. This kind of contribution makes our classroom experiences richer.”

On the day it arrived, CES students were also enjoying their 100th day on campus, and many were dressed as 100-year-old senior citizens, which is a CES tradition.

"We're all about history," said Principal Wagnon.