It’s the most wonderful time of the year — to be a naturalist, that is. Well, strike that “most wonderful time” comment if you’re in Saskatchewan, where we just had -45 windchills! (brrr)
February 12th is Charles Darwin’s birthday, and marks the celebration of “Darwin Day,” a global celebration of science and reason.
What’s going on in Canada for Darwin Day? Leave your group’s activities in the comments.
The big news for Saskatchewan is that Education Minister Donna Harpauer has proclaimed February 12, 2011 as Darwin Day in the province.
In Saskatoon, we’ve got a big Darwin Day event on February 12th that is being sponsored by CFI Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Skeptics, and the Saskatoon Secular Family Network.
The activities for the day include watching part of the PBS documentary What Darwin Never Knew, guest speakers, family activities (for all ages), and of course, birthday cake!
Since I’m the facilitator for the Saskatoon Secular Family Network, I’ve been rounding up volunteers to put on science demonstrations and experiments for the kids. So far I’ve got volunteers in the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and epidemiology. One activity I’d like us to run is a station where people can see what they look like “devolved” into an earlier stage.
2011 marks the 202nd birthday of Darwin, and I’m already looking forward to a great day celebrating science and reason.