“The Origin of the Species” is one of the most famous books ever written. But how many of us have actually read Charles Darwin’s masterwork? Not enough, according to Penn Museum Director Richard Leventhal and his colleagues, who have put together a “Darwin Day” featuring short teach-in talks to familiarize us with the famous naturalist and his groundbreaking theory of evolution. Throughout the afternoon, Penn experts will speak for 10-15 minutes on such Darwinian topics as “Evolution: Just the Facts” (Paul Sniegowski, associate professor of biology), “Skulls and Bones” (Janet Monge, keeper of Physical Anthropology) and “Darwin’s Story” (Susan Lindee, professor of history and sociology of science). A special afternoon session of Penn’s popular “Science Café” discussion program will round out the talk, while a birthday cake (for Darwin’s 197th birthday) and badminton (one of the big D’s favorite games) promise light-hearted interludes. Visitors can also take a break from lecture learning to watch “Life on Earth,” the classic BBC documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

“Darwin Day” takes place Feb. 12, 1 to 5 p.m. at Penn Museum. For more information go to www.museum.upenn.edu/new/events/darwin/darwin.shtml.