Web Activity Lesson Plan

Chapter 11: The Age of Enlightenment

Introduction
In this chapter, students learned about the Scientific Revolution of 17th century Europe. One of the most recognized scientists of that period is Galileo, who famously angered the Catholic Church by defending Copernicus’s belief that the earth was not the center of the universe. As students will learn, the lasting genius of Galileo’s work has more to do with his analysis of time and motion than with his study of the heavens.

This Web site teaches the lesser-known—but nonetheless important—discoveries of this remarkable scientist and mathematician.

Destination Title: Galileo

Lesson Description
Students will learn about the mathematical and scientific discoveries made by Galileo during the Enlightenment. They will read about Galileo’s place in the history of science and walk through some of his most important experiments. After browsing links on Galileo’s life and experiments, students will answer four questions. They will apply their knowledge by considering one of Galileo’s most important contributions from the perspective of those in his time and in the modern world.

Instructional Objectives

Students will discover Galileo’s contributions to scientific inquiry.

Students will follow the train of thought that led Galileo to his understanding of motion.

Student Web Activity Answers

Galileo used the telescope to explore space.

A 9-foot pendulum swings ten times for every 30 swings of a 1-foot pendulum.

Galileo was the first to apply mathematics to the laws of nature and philosophy.

Galileo discovered moons circling Jupiter.

Answers will vary but may include Galileo’s telescope, his new approach to studying the laws of nature (mathematics), measurement tools, or any creative application of the experiments presented on this site. Essays should be brief, but should give specific examples of how Galileo’s contribution challenged the prevailing views of 17th century Italy and how it resonates in the scientific world today.