Celebrate Darwin Day!

Did you know that February 12th is Charles Darwin's birthday, now known as "Darwin Day"? Charles Darwin was a naturalist, geologist, and biologist. As one of the fathers of evolutionary theory, he is a historical figure worth celebrating in science class. 

Darwin Day is a great opportunity to thank Darwin for his contributions to science and learn through some great adaptation and natural selection activities. When the science lessons are over, celebrate Darwin Day with a party!

 

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission on purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Please see disclosures for more information. 

Who Was Charles Darwin? 

Charles Darwin is known for summing up evidence for the theory of evolution and developing the theory of natural selection through his travels on the HMS Beagle. His book, On the Origin of Species, shaped modern biology and evolutionary theory. Some of Darwin's most interesting work, and what I believe to be the best introduction point for children, was on the diversity of species, particularly the adaptations of island finches.

 
 

Voyage of the HMS Beagle.

© Sémhur / Wikimedia Commons, via Wikimedia Commons

Darwin observed the finches on the Galapagos islands and found that their beaks varied due to the different types of food and environments on each island. Variation is not only seen in bird beaks around the world, but across bird species. 

Darwin's Finches. By John Gould (14.Sep.1804 - 3.Feb.1881) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Student Activities: Bird Beak Adaptations

A wonderful hands-on way to engage students in the idea of adaptation is to have them model how these various bird beaks work. There are many activities where this is explored. 

In general, the idea is that you provide your class with various items that will serve as "beaks", straws, nutcracker, ladle, chopsticks, etc. The students try to forage for food items with these different beaks.

 

You may provide things like gummy worms in soil, goldfish in water, sunflower seeds to crack, etc. You can get creative with this, keeping in mind you want to model something fairly realistic to nature. Many of the items you use can easily be found around the house.

I love this Bird Beaks Lab from Wild Earth Lab, it provides everything you need to make this a hands-on lesson in the classroom or at home.

You can find a similar activity in the fifth lesson of this Feathered Friends download (free!) from the Cornell Lab.

The Bird Beak Buffet is also a similar activity suggested for ages 11-18.

Throw a Darwin Day Party!

Wouldn't it be fun to throw a Darwin party after you explore adaptation science? Here are just a few fun ideas for you!

• Read the book, Who Was Charles Darwin?
• Give out Darwin stickers as party favors!
• Decorate with life size Darwin decals and cardboard cut-outs!
• Have a talented actor come portray Darwin and answer student's questions.
• Combine your Valentine's and Darwin celebrations by handing out some famous scientist valentines including Charles Darwin. 
• Visit a local museum that is holding a Darwin Day celebration! Search for events here.