Scientific Revolution

Media Guide

Scientific Revolution Teacher's Guide

Lecture Notes

Activities

1. Scientific Revolution Walkthru - Overview assignment using the graphics in the textbook.

2. HAM: Ptolemy and Scientific Thought - Introductory primary source analysis where students read over Ptolemy's rationale for the non-movement of the Earth and then make conjectures about scientific theories based on personal experience.

3. Tell The Truth: Galileo - A scripted play/gameshow where students ask questions of 3 potential Galileos to determine who the "real" one is.

4. DBQ: Reformation vs. Scientific Revolution - Document analysis centered around the question "Which was a bigger threat to the Catholic Church the Reformation or the Scientific Revolution?"

I. The Scientific Method

a. Covers some of the basic causes of the revolution and the introduction of the scientific method. A short discussion of the Christian church's role and position in this is also here.

b. Scientific Revolution Walkthru

II. Galileo (and some other guys)

a. These notes really just tell the story of Galileo. Copernicus and Newton are mentioned in brief but Galileo's experiments and interactions with the church are the focus.

b. Galileo: To Tell The Truth - This is a class play/mystery that is a variation on the old game show. In it students ask pre-written questions (they are available in the link above) to 3 panelists who then answer the questions (which are also in the link.) By listening carefully to the 3 panelists students should be able to figure out which is the "real" Galilleo by the end.