Gregor Johann Mendel: Exhibition in the Augustinian Monastery in Prague
Although a native of Hynčice in Silesia, who has worked in Moravia for most of his life, many Czechs across his world use his scientific discoveries. And in Prague he also received his recognition. There is a street named after him in the South Town and elementary School. And by the end of the week, the exhibition Where Are You Crying, Peas? against unusual spaces the oldest Augustinian monastery in Bohemia. Why right there?
Scientist, beekeeper and monk
“Few people today know that in addition to being a scientist, Mendel was monk, and that’s right Augustinian Order. And because upbringing and education are among the basic pillars of Augustinian traditions, I believe that Mendel’s legacy must be passed on here in Prague as well, ”states from the parish of St. Tomas’s father Juan Provecho, who is at the same time director of the school of St. Augustine in Krč. “It simply came to our notice then Science can be linked to faith, although people often argue that faith and science cannot coexist. “
As you can find out from the exhibition, which is accompanied by the students of the school: Mendel entered a peasant family, but during his adolescence he entered the Augustinian monastery of St. Tomas in Old Brno, where he later even became abbot. During her life as well taught AND conducted a variety of scientific research. “His the father owned an apiary, so from an early age he came into contact with bees, which he dealt with later in life, “said one of the school’s students during guided tours of the exhibition.
Mendel is well known for that discovered the laws of heredity through the crossing of plants – especially peas. “In the 19th century, for these efforts, he convincingly attempted to cross animals, especially sheep,” said another student guide. Mendel himself first tested his tests on the fauna. Just on bees. But it didn’t work out. He achieved success only in the plant kingdom. Little is also known that Mendel was an avid meteorologist. He described, for example occurrence of tornadoes.
“And just as little is known that he achieved fame only after his death“Father Juan pointed out. Mendel described his discoveries in genetics in 1886. Fourteen years later, three foreign scientists, independently of each other, reached the same conclusions in terms of heredity, and of course declared this discovery his own. “It simply came to our notice then British geneticist William Batesonwho had Mendel ‘s writings translated into English, and the translations showed that Mendel made his discovery earlier“The high school student added.
Become Mendel
The exhibition does not consist only of information panels and spoken interpretation. Agree on a project Ruzyně Research Institute of Plant Production, whose experts are available at several special “mini” research roomsto the various attractions of contemporary science. Under their supervision, visitors will be able to try out the work of a breeder, or how difficult it is to take care of the bee colony, how to recognize a stressed plant or get to know microorganisms up close.
The exhibition includes mini-research rooms run by experts from the Research Institute of Plant Production in Prague-Ruzyně.
Author: David Winter
The stop at the research room is also remarkable Gene banks, which takes care of the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. In layman’s terms – it preserves samples for the nutrition of future generations, if some of the plants were in danger of extinction. In an environment maintained at a temperature of -18 ° C, the Czech genobank stores over 100,000 glasses of various legumes, spices, flowers or cereals, while the samples can be viewed with your own eyes. Among other ancestors of wheat – aegilops.
“In the long run seek to link science with education at different levels. The most important practice is when it comes to farmers, but the fungus is deeper. The relationship with nature needs to be cultivated from a young age, “says Jan Lukáš from the Research Institute of Plant Production.
Who is the event for?
Which actually brings us to whom the educational and remarkable exhibition is intended. They are “not only” adults, but also young people. “We mainly address primary school students and pupils who can come here in groups,” said Kateřina Čapounová from the national project. Mendel 22who organizes dozens of events in Mendel’s honor.
Glasses and microscope
And those promised Mendel’s personal items? The visitor will also see them. Only the students of the school have to draw their attention to them. There are two in particular. microscope, researching his discoveries. Then glasses, which belongs to Mendel’s characteristic appearance.
Authentic Mendel’s glasses.
Author: David Winter
where: Monastery of St. Tomáše, Josefská 28/8, Prague 1 – Malá Strana.
When: Until April 29, 2022, for school groups until Wednesday from 8:00 to 17:00, for the general public until Friday from 13:00 to 17:00.
Admission: Loosely.
An interactive exhibition about the life and work of Gregor Johann Mendel in the Augustinian monastery in Malá Strana. David Winter
Gregor Johann Mendel (1822-1884) a Moravian naturalist of German descent, the founder of genetics and discovered the genetics of basic laws.
Author: Zdeněk Matyáš, archive