EAST LANSING, Mich. — A campus-wide celebration at Michigan State University marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin is more than just making people aware of his groundbreaking work.
The birth date of Darwin, the 19th-century naturalist whose research on evolution turned the world upside down, is actually Feb. 12. But MSU will be noting the milestone with a series of events throughout the month of February.
Danita Brandt, an MSU associate professor of geological sciences and one of the driving forces behind the monthlong celebration, said that while honoring Darwin is important, what’s more important is sharing the wonders of science with those who may not necessarily be familiar with them.
“It’s more than Darwin. It’s science literacy,” she said. “So many people think ‘oh, I don’t know anything about science.’ But we’re surrounded by it. We can’t get through our day without science.”
Much of the MSU campus is coming together to mark the event, with units as diverse as the College of Law, the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Philosophy among those sponsoring related events.
“Many of Darwin’s ideas have been used in other areas such as the social sciences,” Brandt said. “His work has obviously affected people’s religious lives. He is often viewed as a threat. We want to help correct those misconceptions, the misuse of his ideas.”
Among the highlights of MSU’s Darwin birthday celebration:
- From 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, there will be an opening reception for “What’s So Funny About Science: Sidney Harris Science Cartoons” exhibit in the MSU Museum’s West Gallery featuring MSU’s Science Theatre.
- At 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, the MSU Library will present the film “Jurassic Park.”
- At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, “Intelligent Design on Trial,” a NOVA program on the Dover, Pa., trial that pitted backers of intelligent design against scientists, will be presented, followed by a panel discussion.
- At 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, several MSU professors will present “Darwin’s England: 1809 to 2009.” Among the presenters is historian Rich Bellon, who teaches a course on Darwin, and Rob Pennock, an MSU professor of philosophy and science who was an expert witness at the Dover trial.
For a complete listing of events, visit the MSU Museum Web site.
For more information on MSU work related to evolution and Darwin, go to the special report.
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