Darwin Day
This visionary naturalist revolutionized science with his groundbreaking theory of evolution, changing the way we view the world around us.
Leverage Darwin Day to drive engagement with educational institutions, museums, and science-focused media through thought-leadership content and community discussion events.
- Host a virtual evolution debate or book club featuring Darwin's seminal works
- Partner with natural history museums for exclusive Darwin Day exhibits and behind-the-scenes content
- Create Darwin-inspired art contests or creative challenges across social platforms
- Produce documentary-style content exploring Darwin's voyage and scientific legacy
Darwin’s theories have been absolutely fundamental to the understanding of life and the species of the world as we know it today. Charles Robert Darwin was born in 1809, in Shrewsbury, England, and received his education at University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He grew to become a naturalist and geologist who would eventually impact the thinking of people all over the world.
Darwin was fascinated by the number and variety of fossils from around the planet, as well as the species in their great diversity. So he set out on a five-year voyage on the Beagle to sail around the world and study life in all of its unique and varied forms, making particularly important discoveries in the Galapagos islands.
Darwin’s theories presented the ideas that some species originated from other species, and that even man itself had a shared ancestor with the primates. While his theories were originally rejected by the scientists of his day, they were slowly accepted as more and more data was collected and more species were discovered. DNA research seemed to push his theories even further, as scientists started to see the connections between species in the very genes that composed them.
People have been celebrating Darwin’s birthday (on February 12) for many years, but it came about as an actual day back in the 1990s. It was meant by the founders to not only celebrate Mr. Darwin, but also various other scientific achievements made by humanity.
Head Over to a Museum
Learning is fun, especially when it’s hands-on! Whether visiting a local Museum of Natural History or a Science Museum, fostering an interest in the sciences is a great way to offer a nod to Mr. Darwin and his scientific pursuits.
Host a Discussion Group
As part of Darwin Day, it can be fun to get some friends together to have an intelligent discussion or debate about the theory of evolution (and, in contrast, creation). Make it a book group by discussing some of Darwin’s actual writings, or books written about Darwin’s ideas, like these: On the Origin of the Species by Charles Darwin Descent of Man by Charles DarwinWhy Evolution is True by Jerry A. CoyneEvolution-Creation Struggle by Michael Ruse
Create Darwinian Inspired Art
Unleash creativity through poetry, painting, drawing, sculpting other activities. Hold a Darwin-inspired art contest at work or with friends. The only rule could be that the theme is somehow related to evolution, the origins of humans, animals, or the way the planet continues to move forward. Be creative and have some fun. And be sure to honor the winner the title: “Survivor of the Fittest”!
Watch a Film About Darwin
For those who aren’t interested (or don’t have time) to read books about Darwin and his theories, watching a film can be less time-consuming! Check out these films alone or with a group of friends: Creation (2009). This somewhat fictionalized account of Darwin’s life focuses on his relationship with his religious wife, Emma and his memory of their daughter, Annie, who died very young. Galapagos: Beyond Darwin (1996). This documentary takes underwater footage and science equipment to study marine life 3,000 feet below the surface, in a way that Darwin was never able to in his time. Inherit the Wind (1960). Based on a true story, this film follows the trial of a science teacher whose teaching of evolution theories was considered a crime. The Genius of Charles Darwin (2008). A three part series, this documentary by Richard Dawkins covers interesting topics such as how evolution works, why Darwin’s theories might be true, the controversy behind it, and whether evolved creatures can actually find significance.
Learn About Darwin’s Theories
Some people might find that the best way to celebrate Darwin Day is to really study evolution and familiarize themselves with the concept of ‘Natural Selection’. It’s an often misunderstood concept, with people mistaking ‘Survival of the Fittest’ for ‘Survival of the Best’, and failing to grasp that ‘fittest’ is for a certain set of circumstances. The heart of it is, if a member of a species survives to pass on its genes, then those genes are the ones that survive to shape the new species. Eventually, with enough beneficial mutations, it can go on to become an entirely new species suited for its environment. Read up! It’s only the ancestors of everything you have to learn about! Darwin Day FAQsWho was Charles Darwin?A naturalist from England whose work in natural selection became the foundation for the modern study of evolution. His work was rather shocking to the Victorian society he lived in, but his non-religious theories appealed to a new class of professional scientists.[1]What did Charles Darwin do?Famous for promoting the theory of evolution and the mechanism of natural selection, Charles was a British naturalist who formally studied medicine and divinity. His work in South America and the Galapagos Islands fueled his passion for science and biology as he observed and collected samples of rocks, plants, animals and fossils.[1]Was Charles Darwin the first to propose evolution? Contrary to what many people believe, Darwin was not necessarily the first to propose the theory that species might evolve. However, Darwin was one of the first to present a mechanism for this evolution, which is natural selection. He corresponded with Alfred Wallace who also promoted the idea.[1]What was Charles Darwin’s most famous book?As a scientist, Darwin made a number of discoveries and contributions. However, the most popular book he ever wrote and published was On the Origin of Species, which was published in 1859.[1]How long did Charles Darwin live?Born in Shrewsbury, England in 1809, Charles Darwin lived until the age of 73 and eventually died after suffering from a heart attack and seizures.[1]