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Darwin Discovery Day
and Annual Natural History Identification Day
at the MSU Museum
Sunday, February 8, 2009
1-5 p.m. - Free
        
Discovering Darwin, Celebrating Science -- "Darwin's Voyage of Discovery"
The Beagle voyage (1831-1836) was a transformative experience for Charles Darwin. He left England a young man with no specific plan for his future but returned a mature scientist overflowing with ideas generated from the experiences and observations of that trip that occupied him for the rest of his life. Darwin's transformation came from making close observations of the natural world, and we invite visitors to Darwin Discovery Day to embark on their own voyage of discovery, exploring objects from our natural history collection from around the world, accompanied by our Museum curators, specialists in various areas of natural history (zoology, anthropology, botany, entomology, geology, paleontology).
Young visitors will also receive a free field journal so they can record their own scientific observations and notes as they begin their own voyage of discovery!
Yours to discover:
- "What's So Funny About Science: Sidney Harris Science Cartoons" exhibit in the West Gallery, sponsored by Shell Oil Company
- Interesting and unusual specimens from the MSU Museum's natural history collections
- Tours of Habitat Hall, Hall of Evolution and a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse at MSU Museum research collections
- Ask the experts: museum curators and MSU specialists can help you identify backyard curiosities: bring in a rock, bone, fossil, tooth or other natural object*
- "Galapagos Island Travelogue," with Fred Dyer, chairperson of MSU Zoology Department
- Hands-on activities for kids
- Books and educational resources at the Museum Store
- Birthday cake and refreshments
*The MSU Museum cannot provide estimates on the commercial value of any specimen nor provide expertise on human-made artifacts at this program.
Michigan State University Darwin Bicentennial Events Calendar (updated Jan. 7, 2009)
- Thursday, January 29
"Darwin's Boulders". Dr. Ed Evenson, Lehigh University. Department of Geological Sciences Alumni / Shell Oil Distinguished Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Room 204 Natural Science Building, MSU.
- Sunday, February 1
"What's so funny about Darwin?" Sidney Harris Science cartoons exhibit opening, and demonstrations by MSU's Science Theatre. MSU Museum West Gallery and Auditorium, 2-4 p.m. The exhibit runs through March 15, 2009.
- Tuesday, February 3
"Intelligent Design on Trial" a screening of the NOVA program on the Dover Pennsylvania trial, followed by a discussion moderated by Dr. Ralph Taggart of the MSU Department of Geological Sciences, and Dr. Frank Ravitch of the MSU Law School. 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, Grove Street, East Lansing.
- Wednesday, February 4
Lecture by Josh Rosenau, Public relations director for the National Center for Science Education, as part of MSU's Department of Geological Sciences Alumni / Shell Oil Distinguished Lecture Series, in conjunction with Darwin Discovery Day and the Year of Science '09. 4 p.m., Room 204 Natural Science Building, MSU.
- Thursday, February 5
"What's so funny about Sidney Harris?" Danita Brandt, Department of Geological Sciences, noon, 207 Natural Science Building, part of "Lunch and Learn series." Bring your brown bag lunch.
- Friday, February 6
"Darwin and Ethics: What Evolution Can Teach Us About Our Moral Judgment". Eric Berling, graduate student in the MSU Department of Philosophy , 3-5pm, 105 S. Kedzie.
- Friday, February 6
"Jurassic Park" (MSU Library Friday Night Film Series), with introduction by Jim Harding of the MSU Museum. 7 p.m., room W449 MSU Main Library.
- Sunday, February 8
"Darwin Discovery Day," 1-5 p.m. at the MSU Museum.
- Tuesday, February 10
"Playing the Proof Game: The Law and Intelligent Design" Dr. Frank Ravitch, 7:00 p.m., MSU Law School, Board room 343.
- Wednesday, February 11
"Darwin's England: 1809 to 2009." Philosopher Rob Pennock, biologist Jim Smith and historian Rich Bellon will lead a virtual tour through the scientific England of Darwin's age -- and our own, followed by a discussion. 3 to 4 p.m., 136 Akers Hall.
"Darwin and God: a Civil Discussion." A panel discussion will examine the religious implications of Darwin's work, with extensive audience participation. 7 to 8 p.m., C106 Holmes Hall.
- Thursday, February 12
Charles Darwin's birthday. "Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle" lecture by Dr. Mike Gottfried of MSU's Department of Geological Sciences. 7 p.m. MSU Museum Habitat Hall.
- Thursday, February 19
Dr. Richard Colling, of Olivet Nazarene University will talk about his experience as author of "Random Designer" as part of MSU's Department of Geological Sciences Alumni / Shell Oil Distinguished Lecture Series 4 p.m., Room 204 Natural Science Building, MSU.
- Wednesday, February 25
"Lyman Briggs College Spring Book Debate: Darwin's On the Origin of Species." A panel of Briggs professors will discuss the Origin in its various scientific, historical, religious, philosophical and aspects, with extensive audience participation. 7p.m., C106 Holmes Hall.
- Thursday, February 26
"The Paleoclimatic Framework of Human Evolution." Dr. Gail Ashley, Rutgers University. Department of Geological Sciences Alumni / Shell Oil Distinguished Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Room 204 Natural Science Building, MSU.
The Michigan State University Museum joins natural history museums and science centers around the world in observing naturalist Charles Darwin's birthday with special programs. Charles Darwin's 200th birthday is Feb. 12, 2009, which is also the 150th anniversary of the publication of his famous book, "On the Origin of Species." Science institutions worldwide have created special programs around Darwin's birthday that help promote an appreciation for the benefits of scientific knowledge acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity. Learn more at http://darwinday.org.
Thanks to our sponsors:
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2009
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