Franklin Institute exhibit explores Darwin's research

By Lauren McGlone
Collegian Staff
November 1, 2006

Evolution has been a heavily debated issue for decades, with circling ideas about the existence of a supreme being and whether or not man descended from apes. The one name synonymous with the idea of evolution and all of its aspects is Charles Darwin.

Just about anyone who has ever participated in any biology course has learned at least something about Darwin, whether it be his time comparing the beaks of birds on one island to those of a different island nearby, or his theory that only the strongest and best equipped individuals of a species survive and pass on such characteristics to their offspring. A more detailed and exemplified look into Darwin’s life may be witnessed at a local museum.

The Franklin Institute Science Museum is presently featuring an exhibit where patrons may “discover the man and revolutionary theory that changed the world.” Information on Darwin’s life and discoveries is made available to the public at the museum this fall.

The exhibit features an evolutionary journey through the eyes of Darwin himself. Guests begin on the HMS Beagle, the ship on which Darwin sailed to the Galapagos Islands, leading him to his first evolutionary ideas. On this journey, Darwin comes to the conclusion that life on Earth is forever changing, which he described in his theory of natural selection.

Darwin’s experiences are recreated through inventive exhibits as well as an interactive section featuring specimens studied in the Galapagos Islands. Guests may find 50-pound tortoises and a 5-foot-long iguana, along with South American horned toads and colorful butterflies. Additionally, fossils, artifacts and original Darwinian manuscripts are displayed, allowing guests to truly look into the life of the ingenious Darwin.

To accompany the evolutionary exhibit is an IMAX presentation exploring the Galapagos Islands. Audiences become enveloped in the biological diversity and unique geology of the islands, while plunging 3,000 feet into lava tubes and flying over 5,000 foot volcanoes.

The Darwin Exhibit is open to guests through Dec. 31, Sunday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. with extended hours every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 – 9 p.m.

The Franklin Institute is located at 222 N. 20th St. For more information regarding the Darwin Exhibit and the Franklin Institute, visit http://www2.fi.edu or call 215-448-1200.

mcglonel1@lasalle.edu