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The Darwin Correspondence Project’s schools programme is working with teachers to develop engaging online resources based on Darwin’s letters.
Darwin was endlessly curious about the workings of the natural world and formed a vast network of correspondents who helped to further his understanding.
We want to
- encourage curiosity for the natural world and enthuse pupils with a passion for discovery
- explore a glimpse of British nineteenth century life
- examine the language and meaning as expressed in the letters
- understand how Darwin’s ideas changed the way we view the world
Why Darwin’s letters?
Through the letters we can learn so much more about Darwin than through his published material alone.
Find out about how he worked, his experiments, the impact of his ideas, his character and his friendships; in short, an insight into his life and times.
Darwin’s letters offer a unique perspective into the history of women and science. Through them we explore the under-investigated contribution made by female correspondents and family members to his work.
What can we offer?
Creative ideas to download
For using the letters across the curriculum linked to ages and key stages, including science experiments, planning an expedition, writing to Darwin, researching his female correspondents.
Classroom interactives
visit Darwin’s cabin on the Beagle voyage, study the map, see inside his study at Down House, and find out what he was thinking.
Subject specific and cross curricula resources
Use the letter sets or activity packages for linking ideas across different subject areas.
Tried and tested resources
See our case studies for how the material is being used the class room.
Come back to see more
The schools pages of the Darwin Correspondence Project are currently being developed. Come back to:
- Try out our Cross-Curricula, Interactive Beagle Voyage Package.
- Watch the introductory Cartoons, bringing Darwin’s letters to life. Experiment with Darwin’s own experiments, from owl pellet dissection to salt water seeds.
- Learn more about Darwin’s working methods, his family life and his friendships with our Themed Letter Sets complete with talking points to spark discussion.
- Find out more about the context that Darwin lived in through the Schools Timeline.
- Explore our range of subject and age specific resources, all tried and tested by secondary schools.
- And check out the Schools Blog as we go.