Evolutionary biologists visit some rural schools

The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center in Durham, N.C., sent a group of biologists into rural areas of the U.S. to celebrate Darwin Day, reports Amy Harmon in The New York Times. Darwin was born 202 years ago on Feb. 12, 1809 (the same day as Abraham Lincoln). Craig McClain, a marine biologist at the center who studies giant squid, said, "You want to send evolutionary biologists out to rural America ... on purpose?" Nineteen schools agreed to have the scientists come to tell students about science and hopefully interest them in a career in science. (Associated Press photo)

Scientists from the center went to schools in Virginia, Nebraska, Montana, and Iowa. The group’s small-town hosts took their own precautions. A high school principal in Ringgold, Va., sent out permission slips so parents could opt out of sending their children to the event (two did). A museum vice president in Putnam, Iowa, publicized the festivities only to teachers, rather than risk riling members of her conservative Christian community, writes Harmon. (Read more)