Darwin's Famous Journey Recreated in Second Life

The ways in which people celebrate the life and work of Charles Darwin are evolving. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Darwin's On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, the University of Cincinnati has recreated the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin conducted some of his famous research, in Second Life. The project is part of the university's 2009 Darwin Sesquicentennial Celebration. By January 2009, all avatars will be able to retrace Darwin's steps — from his 1832 journey to South America aboard the Beagle to his tours of the islands — with the help of a wind-surfing tour guide. Archived audio and video clips, as well as live events, will be available in the Darwin Celebration Theater and Gallery. An undergraduate communications and technology class is creating kiosks in Second Life and compiling information about Darwin's journey and findings. Students who take two field trips to the Galapagos next year will bring back images and video that will be added to the tour, according to Chris M. Collins, project manager for the Second Life Project at the university. Ms. Collins wrote about the project with Ronald M. Millard, a professor of pharmacology and cell biophysics and chairman of the celebration's program and planning committee, for EDUCAUSE Review. Ms. Collins said the site could be an effective learning tool for college students and would teach them things they "can't get from reading a textbook." --David DeBolt (from the Chronicle of Higher Education, October 16, 2008)

Richard Leakey to speak at UNCW

UNCW's Leadership Lecture Series, with co-sponsorship by Honors Scholars Program and UNCW Student Media, presents:

"Why Our Origins Matter" by Dr. Richard Leakey

Kenan Auditorium, UNCW (Campus Map)
Monday, October 13, 2008 at 7:00 pm

Tickets: $9 public, Free for UNCW students and employees.
Call Kenan Box Office 910.962.3500.

Richard Leakey, the world renowned paleoanthropologist has made international headlines for more than 30 years for his work in Kenya. Former director of the National Museums of Kenya, Leakey is known for his work in early human origins, particularly his expeditions to the shores of Lake Turkana in Kenya's Great Rift Valley. One of the most controversial, influential, and inspirational figures in African politics and world conservation today, he has authored or co-authored over 100 scientific articles and books, including The Origin of Humankind, Origins Reconsidered, and The Sixth Extinction.