On Saturday, 14 March 2009, the University of Nottingham, School of Biology hosted a Darwin 200 Celebration at the University of Nottingham Portland Building. 275 people came out for the event which ran from 11 am to 4 pm and included a range of evolution-themed activities and information stations.
Photo1: ‘Darwin’ explains his theory of evolution
The highlights of the day were two 30 minute talks by “Charles Darwin” (Prof. John Brookfield) in which he outlined his theory of evolution and how his experiences led him to develop it. Darwin discussed his voyage on the HMS Beagle and described the Tree of Life during his lectures (photos 1 & 2).
photo2: ‘Darwin’ explains his theory of evolution
Following his talk, members of the audience asked Darwin questions such as where he might travel if he were to take a big expedition today. The first lecture, as well as an interview with Prof. Brookfield, is available for podcast from the University of Nottingham website (http://communications.nottingham.ac.uk/podcasts.html).
photo3: Museum specimens provided insight into the diversity of life and the clues which helped Darwin to develop his theory
Before and after Darwin’s talks, there was plenty to keep people busy. A large exhibit of zoological museum specimens was on display, including butterflies, birds, fish and even a duckbilled platypus (photos 3 & 4).
photo4
Microscopes and computers allowed visitors to see into the world of single-celled organisms (photo 5). Visitors also had the chance to examine snails under a microscope and learn about their reproduction.
photo 5: Microscopy stations offered an up-close look at single-celled life (protozoans) and snails
The Frozen Ark hosted a station to raise awareness of its aim to preserve genetic material and tissue samples from endangered species (photo 6).
photo6: The Frozen Ark aims collect, preserve and store DNA and viable cells from threatened and endangered animal species.
The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) station told visitors how they could explore nature while helping to generate valuable scientific data about our environment, and then invited them onto the lawn and take part in a soil and earthworm survey (photos 7 & 8).
photo 7: The OPAL project provided information about how people can get involved with nature and offered the opportunity to take part in a soil and earthworm survey.
photo 8
A variety of activities for children and families were on offer. Family activities included making chromosome models to illustrate mitosis and meiosis, trying to guess whether the next organism in a sequence has more or fewer genes than the one before it, building a genetic code with beads or sweets, matching species to habitats, looking at adaptive radiation in sticklebacks, a computer game examining the evolution of mimicry, and the chance to get an up-close look at a tarantula (photos 9 & 10).
Photos 9 and 10: Visitors tried to guess whether the next organism in a sequence has more or fewer genes than the one before it and built genetic codes with beads or sweets.
photo10
Activities for young children invited them to explore the connections between lifestyles and body shape; and also to consider the ways in which humans have overcome the limitations of our bodies (photos 11 & 12).
Photos 11 and 12: Children were invited to explore the connections between lifestyles and body shape; and to consider how humans have overcome the limitations of our bodies.
photo12
Academics were present to answer questions and discuss their research, and all the research groups from the School of Biology displayed posters explaining their work. A Graffiti Wall gave visitors a chance to let us know what they thought and respond to questions such as “Can there be an alternative theory to evolution?” and “Are we still evolving?” (photo 13).
Photo 13: The graffiti wall encouraged people pose and respond to questions about evolution
Feedback forms were received from 21 children (under 14) and 33 young people and adults (over 14). The children gave the event an average of 8.6 marks out of 10 and listed the most interesting things they learned about as being chromosomes and genes, DNA, giant sloths, adaptation, stickleback evolution, how to look for worms, what the Frozen Ark is, and that spiders are hairy. All adult respondents rated the event as fairly or very satisfying overall (Fig 1).
Figure 1: Adult feedback forms asked them to rate how satisfying, participative, informative, interesting and enjoyable the event was. Responses were overwhelmingly positive with no negative ratings in any of the categories.
Recommendations for future events included better acoustics/microphone for talks and better advertising. Visitors said the event was “great”, “good fun”, “really enjoyable”, “very well organised”, “exciting”, and “perfect”. The event was supported by a National Science and Engineering Week East Midlands Grant with additional funding from the British Science Association Nottinghamshire Branch.
The Nottinghamshire Branch of the British Science Association will be running a Science Pub Quiz at the Johnson Arms (
On the 40th Anniversary of the first Moon walk, 4 intrepid members of the British Science Association performed a fund-raising walk by travelling exactly 1/100,000 of the distance to the Moon, starting from their new base at 1 Science Park.
