Visitors to the Gray Fossil Site on Feb. 8 can celebrate Darwin Day in memory of the father of evolution, Charles Darwin.
“Darwin Day celebrates science and the scientists – past, present and up-and-coming – who contribute to our knowledge of the natural world,” said David Moscato, science communications specialist at the Gray Fossil Site. “We use the event as an opportunity to share with the public some of the amazing things we’ve learned about the world and how we arrive at those conclusions.”
Darwin Day is a celebration around the world of Charles Darwin, a naturalist and geologist fascinated with fossils and the great diversity of species.
“It’s celebrated near Darwin’s birthday to commemorate the revolutionary work that Charles Darwin did in laying the foundations for modern scientific understanding,” Moscato said.
The day will consist of activities all around the museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors can take part in interactive programs to learn about animals, insects, plants, fossils and more.
These programs are run by ETSU staff, students and visiting participants from partner institutions.
Approaching the end of the celebration, at 3:30 p.m., Dr. Jim Costa, professor at Western Carolina University, will give a talk called “DIY Experimenting with the Darwins: A Guide to Darwin-inspired Experiments for Home and School,” sharing Charles Darwin’s at-home science experiments.
“Visitors might even spot Charles Darwin and his colleague Alfred R. Wallace wandering around the museum as we’ll have our professors taking on the roles of the famous scientists,” Moscato said. “Visitors will have the chance to talk with and learn from scientists, to get up close and personal with scientific specimens and explore how scientists study the world around us, from plants and animals to rocks and fossils.”
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