Darwin Day celebrates evolution
Brian Emanuel
Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: News
For science enthusiasts, Darwin Day Symposium, which will be held Feb. 13 in the Birck Hall Tell Labs, will feature discussions, a Darwin impersonator and a quiz show to tests students' knowledge.
The Darwin Symposium will consist of two sessions, both featuring different themes based on the ideas of Darwin. According to Professor of Biology Al Martin, Session One of the Darwin Day Symposium will discuss the interesting aspects of evolution; it will analyze the life and work of Darwin as well as medical issues that can be cured with evolution.
Session two of Darwin Day will feature a Charles Darwin impersonation by Field Museum Biologist John Wagner, who Martin says looks eerily similar to Darwin. Activities exclusively for students will include a poster display session and Tri-Beta's quiz show.
"Tri-Beta's quiz show is aimed at increasing student participation for Darwin Day as Charles Darwin's work had such a strong impact on the field of biology. The quiz, along with the presentations, will allow students to find out more about Darwin and his accomplishments," said Ambareen Khan, president of Tri-Beta, the biological honors society.
The Darwin Day Symposium is not only a celebration of the 200th birthday of famous scientist Darwin, but also a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the publishing of Darwin's book "Origin of Species," where Darwin laid out his argument that life evolved through natural selection.
On this day, all biology classes will be cancelled so students can come to the discussions. The University will be advertising the event to the Lisle and Naperville communities.
BU's Jurica Museum will also be receiving a large makeover in time for the celebration of Darwin's birthday. The museum received numerous items chronicling evolution including: specimens and fossils that have evolved over time, an actual engraving made by Darwin that was donated by Martin himself, a book written by Darwin ten years before his passing also donated by Martin and numerous pictures chronicling the life of Darwin.
"The Jurica Museum is a real treasure," said Martin. Martin points out that the museum is not only a place where students can learn while they attend, but they can even take the experience with them with "discovery boxes," boxes that contain educational material which will further develop students' understanding of science.
Martin is quick to add that without the help of faculty members Mary Mickus and Father Ted Suchy, the museum will not have nearly as much as it does today.
"It's all about the student," Martin said. "I hope students will attend and asks questions."
The Darwin Symposium will consist of two sessions, both featuring different themes based on the ideas of Darwin. According to Professor of Biology Al Martin, Session One of the Darwin Day Symposium will discuss the interesting aspects of evolution; it will analyze the life and work of Darwin as well as medical issues that can be cured with evolution.
Session two of Darwin Day will feature a Charles Darwin impersonation by Field Museum Biologist John Wagner, who Martin says looks eerily similar to Darwin. Activities exclusively for students will include a poster display session and Tri-Beta's quiz show.
"Tri-Beta's quiz show is aimed at increasing student participation for Darwin Day as Charles Darwin's work had such a strong impact on the field of biology. The quiz, along with the presentations, will allow students to find out more about Darwin and his accomplishments," said Ambareen Khan, president of Tri-Beta, the biological honors society.
The Darwin Day Symposium is not only a celebration of the 200th birthday of famous scientist Darwin, but also a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the publishing of Darwin's book "Origin of Species," where Darwin laid out his argument that life evolved through natural selection.
On this day, all biology classes will be cancelled so students can come to the discussions. The University will be advertising the event to the Lisle and Naperville communities.
BU's Jurica Museum will also be receiving a large makeover in time for the celebration of Darwin's birthday. The museum received numerous items chronicling evolution including: specimens and fossils that have evolved over time, an actual engraving made by Darwin that was donated by Martin himself, a book written by Darwin ten years before his passing also donated by Martin and numerous pictures chronicling the life of Darwin.
"The Jurica Museum is a real treasure," said Martin. Martin points out that the museum is not only a place where students can learn while they attend, but they can even take the experience with them with "discovery boxes," boxes that contain educational material which will further develop students' understanding of science.
Martin is quick to add that without the help of faculty members Mary Mickus and Father Ted Suchy, the museum will not have nearly as much as it does today.
"It's all about the student," Martin said. "I hope students will attend and asks questions."
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