Darwin Day is an international celebration of science and humanity held on or around February 12, the day that Charles Darwin was born on in 1809. Specifically, it celebrates the discoveries and life of Charles Darwin — the man who first described biological evolution via natural selection with scientific rigor. More generally, Darwin Day expresses gratitude for the enormous benefits that scientific knowledge, acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity, has contributed to the advancement of humanity.

Darwin Day can be celebrated in many different ways: civic ceremonies with official proclamations, educational symposia, birthday parties, art shows, book discussions, lobby days, games, protests, and dinner parties. Organizers may include: academic societies, science organizations, freethought groups, religious congregations, libraries, museums, galleries, teachers and students, families and friends.

This year, Città della Scienza and MUSA-Museums of Agricultural Sciences of Portici, will organize together the Darwin Day 2014 with two event, on February 9 and 12. On Sunday, February 9, visitors of our Science Centre will be able to understand and investigate aspects of the bugs’ life in the light of Charles Darwin’s, thanks to experts, guided tours, themed games, interactive demonstrations and workshops for children.

On 12 February at MUSA (Museums of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, at the Royal Palace of Portici),doors will be opened to the public with an exciting and varied program that includes seminars, demonstrations, music and scientific tours among the precious collections of the Botanical Gardens.

Città della Scienza – February 9

Talks:

The evolution of insects – 12 a.m.
Darwin and the bug’s society – 3 p.m.

Workshops:

Let’s build a bug!

Guided tours (every 30′):

Exhibition Brain - the world inside your head
Exhibition Baby Dinosaurs
The garden according to Darwin: guided tour to the green outdoor areas of Città della Scienza

in partnership with:

Reggia di Portici – February 12

(Sala Cinese)

9.30 – 9.50. Domenico Carputo, Dipartimento di Agraria. “La genetica dell’evoluzione”
10.00 – 10.20. Maria Luisa Chiusano, Dipartimento di Agraria. “Il programma biologico: la perfezione dell’imperfezione in un disegno perfetto”
10.30 – 10.50. Maurizio Fraissinet. Associazione Studi Ornitologici Italia Meridionale. “Modelli evolutivi nella classe degli uccelli”
11.00-11.20. Pasquale Raia. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell’Ambiente e delle Risorse. “Nudi e sudati alla meta. Il caso e la necessità nell’evoluzione dell’uomo”

Seguirà un coinvolgente percorso didattico dedicato all’evoluzione nel quale esperti naturalisti ed entomologi illustreranno la storia e i principi dell’evoluzionismo e la radiazione adattativa negli insetti

ore 16: L’evoluzione del mondo vegetale, visita all’Orto a cura di Riccardo Motti.
ore 17: Viaggio nell’evoluzione a bordo del Beagle (Biografia informale di Sir Charles Darwin) a cura di Danilo Russo
ore 18: La musica ai tempi di Darwin, concerto e teatralizzazione a cura del Coro AMA (Associazione Musicisti Agraria) e di Angela Severino
Ore 19: Aperitivo