February 12th was a special day in science that we want to celebrate! Darwin Day acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments of Charles Darwin. This world-wide celebration encourages curiosity, scientific exploration, and a hunger for science just like Charles Darwin had for the world around him.
Who is Charles Darwin?
Born February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, Charles Darwin was a Naturalist whose scientific theory of evolution by natural selection became the foundation of modern evolutionary studies.
Darwin shocked religious Victorian society by suggesting that animals and humans shared a common ancestry. After voyaging around the world in the HMS Beagle, which included his famous research of the Galapagos Islands, Darwin kept his theory a secret for over two decades. On this voyage Darwin studied hundreds of animals and the their environments. By the time he returned, Darwin had finished a 770-page diary filled with notes about his life-changing theory of natural selection and evolution.
Twenty years after his voyage, he finally published On the Origin of Species, which forever changed evolutionary science and the study of animals.
What is Darwin Day?
Darwin Day commemorates scientific curiosity, and reflects on amazing scientific accomplishments. Dr. Robert Stephens, Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, and Amanda Chesworth, who are all scientists and Darwin enthusiasts, are the founders of the annual International Darwin Day Celebration. They wanted to inspire the world with Darwin’s scientific accomplishments by encouraging the celebration of science and humanity throughout the global community. Darwin Day's overall mission is to inspire a love for science and highlight Charles Darwin's legacy.
Early Education: Evolution by Natural Selection
Science frequently challenges our understanding of the world, and
Evolution by Natural Selection can be a challenging concept to grasp, especially for young children.
Introducing children early to a concept like evolution can help them develop a greater facility for applying analytical thinking. Science is so important for your child to learn at a young age, as it will help them gain life-long skills that helps them explore their world just like Charles Darwin.
Science Explorations Book Set
Your child can become a scientific explorer with our Science Explorations Book Set! These books are jam-packed with scientific adventures that are sure to bring out the curious nature of your little explorer.
Young learners can help Leonardo da Vinci adapt to the 21st Century, or join the League of Scientists as they unravel mysteries in their community. Our creative nonfiction books are filled with fun science brainteasers and short mysteries that take just one minute to read. Your budding scientist will love this engaging and well-rounded exploration of the ways science influences every aspect of our lives. These books spark scientific curiosity and exploration between the real world and the classroom, and most importantly are fun to read!