Charles Davis (Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology)
First-Year Seminar 51S | Fall Term | Enrollment limited 12
Wednesday, 12:00–2:45 PM CANVAS SITE
Natural history museums are more than just buildings, they’re treasure troves of stories, mysteries, and jaw-dropping discoveries that have shaped our entire understanding of life on Earth. Think Darwin, dinosaurs, and deep-sea wonders! But did you know that the real magic often happens *behind the scenes*, in collections rarely glimpsed by the public?
In this seminar, you’ll unlock access to Harvard’s world-class Natural History Museums. Each week, you’ll go behind the closed doors to explore how these institutions fuel scientific breakthroughs, steward millions of unique artifacts, and connect with a changing world in the digital age. You’ll discover how museums are at the very center of today’s most urgent scientific questions, from climate change to species conservation, and how technology is sparking a new revolution in museum science.
You won’t just read about it. You’ll get your hands dirty! Explore the outdoors with fresh eyes, using innovative resources and field tools. Dive into Harvard’s vast collections, meet museum staff, engage with these collections, and see how exhibits come to life. Your seminar experience builds toward a real-world capstone: working in teams to create your own museum exhibit. You’ll weave together everything you’ve learned, curiosity, science, and creativity, into a showcase for the public.