Programs and Events
Educators’ Evening: “Darwin and Evolution: Myths, Misconceptions and Reality”
October 01, 2010
Please note - Registration for this event is closed.
Join us for a lively discussion on evolution with science educator Dr. William F. McComas (who will be introduced by APS President and Nobel Prize winner, Baruch Blumberg), a reception, and special private tour of Dialogues with Darwin; and learn about the APS Museum’s interdisciplinary educational programs, which integrate science, history, and art.
The Educators’ Evening will feature a lecture busting the myths surrounding evolution by Dr. McComas, the inaugural holder of the Parks Family Endowed Professorship in Science Education at the University of Arkansas, former biology teacher in suburban Philadelphia schools, and Associate Editor of American Biology Teacher. Dr. McComas will tackle, with both wit and substance, a range of popular misconceptions regarding evolution that block understanding and acceptance. The presentation will cover a range of topics of interest to educators, including key aspects of evolution by natural selection, scientific law versus theory, and how Darwin’s thinking about evolution actually changed on the voyage of the Beagle, challenging what we think we know about the role of the famous finches and the Galapagos islands. We will conclude with a stimulating conversation on the debate surrounding religion, evolution, and creationist attempts to influence public opinion and the science curriculum in our schools.
Registration for this event is required (by Sept. 24). To register, contact Jenni Drozdek at or 215.701.4421
Friday, October 1
FREE event
5 pm: Reception
5:30 pm: Tour of Dialogues with Darwin
6 – 7:30 pm: Lecture by Dr. William McComas, followed by Q&A
The reception and tour will be held at:
APS Museum
104 S. 5th St.
The lecture will be held at:
Benjamin Franklin Hall
427 Chestnut St.
The Educators’ Evening is in partnership with Camden County College’s Center for Civic Leadership and Responsibility. The event is also co-sponsored by The Academy of Natural Sciences; Arcadia University; The College of Physicians of Philadelphia; Temple University George Washington Carver Science Fair; learningscience.org; Philadelphia Math + Science Coalition; and the Wagner Free Institute of Science.
