On December 27, 1831, the HMS Beagle set sail from Plymouth harbor. On board were a crew of 73 men, Captain Robert Fitzroy, and a young naturalist named Charles Darwin. The expedition lasted almost five years, during which time Darwin kept extensive field journals collecting important scientific data that would inform his later discoveries. The exciting account of Darwin's voyage is sure to captivate readers and the enlightening subject matter will support their developing awareness of social studies and science concepts.