Copernicus

Reading and writing COPERNICUS’ REVOLUTIONARY THEORY

He was one of the first scientists to use mathematical observations to collect information. He believed the sun is the center of the universe and the earth and other planets went around it. born: in Poland in 1473 died : May 24, 1543

reading Read the text carefully, then choose A or B

(1) What was his theory about? (Para 1) All his mathematical calculations led to the same conclusion: that the earth was not the centre of the solar system. Only if you put the sun there did the movements of the other planets in the sky make sense.

(2)Why could he not tell about his theory? (Para 1) Because the powerful Chistian Church would have punished him for even suggesting such an idea

(3) What’s the problem with the present theory?(Para 2) If the earth was the centre of the solar system and all planets went round it,some planets in the sky seemed to stop,move backward and then go forward in a loop, others appeared brighter at times and less bright at others.This was very strange.

(4) When did Copernicus complete his theory? (Para 3) Between 1510 and 1514 he worked on it, gradually improving his theory until he felt it was complete.

(5)What qualities do the scientist have?(adj.) courageous, intelligent, brave adventurous, sacrificial, curious …

I f y o u w e r e i n t e r e s t e d i n a s t r o n o m y, p l e a s e p e r s u a d e C o p e r n i c u s t o p u b l i s h h i s i d e a s !

1. Copernicus was not very brave. He should speak out his discovery and let the world know the truth earlier. 2. Science can never advance unless people have the courage of their beliefs.

3. As a scientist, you must have the courage to publish your findings. No matter how people oppose them, time will show if your ideas are right or wrong.

Write a short letter asking Copernicus to publish his ideas so everyone can read them. W r i t e a s h o r t l e t t e r a s k i n g C o p e r n i c u s t o p u b l i s h h i s i d e a s s o e v e r y o n e c a n r e a d t h e m

Useful expressions to persuade Why don’t you…? Perhaps you should… I think you really should /ought to… I would advise/recommend you to… You could consider doing… Well, it might be a good idea to… If you take my advice, you will… If I were you, I would… In my opinion, you should…

First, in pairs brainstorm some reasons why he should publish his theory. For example:

He believes his new theory is true. There are problems with the present theory. He has done many years of observations to prove his new theory is true. Science can’t develop unless people publish their ideas.

One possible version: Dear Nicolaus Copernicus, I am a student studying astronomy and I would very much like to read your new theory about the solar system. I hope you will publish it for several reasons. I understand the problems with the present theory. The way the planets move is not what you would expect if the earth was the center of the universe. It is also odd that the brightness of some stars seems to change. So I agree with you that we need a new theory. Beginning: Tell Copernicus who you are and why you want him to publish his ideas Paragraph 1: Reason 1 and evidence

Yours sincerely, Lin Qi I know your observations have been very carefully carried out over many years. Now you must have the courage to publish them. Science can never advance unless people have the courage of their beliefs. I know you worry about what will happen if you publish your new theory. No matter how people oppose it, time will show if your ideas are right or wrong. So I hope you will feel you can publish your new theory. Paragraph 2: Reason 1 and evidence Summing up: Ask him to think again about publishing his ideas

Paragraph 1(self-introduction) Tell Copernicus who you are and why you want him to publish his ideas Paragraph 2(reason 1 and evidence) Problems with the present theory Paragraph 3(reason 2and evidence) science cannot develop unless people publish their ideas Summing up Ask him to think again abou publishing his ideas make a plan. For example:

1.Finish your letter after class and appreciate each other. 2. Finish “Summing up”.

Before Copernicus’ theory Showing Copernicus’ theory The Earth was stationary at the center of the solar system, and the Sun and planets revolved around it. The Sun is stationary at the center of the solar system, and the Earth and the other planets orbit around it. Two theories of the universe

(5) How did he explain changes in the movement of the planets and in the brightness of the stars? When did he publish his idea? (Para 4) He placed a fixed sun at the centre of the solar system with the planets going round it and only the moon still going round the earth. He also suggested that the earth was spinning as it went round it and this explain changes in the movement of the planets and in the brightness of the stars.. He published it as he lay dying in 1543

make a plan. For example: Paragraph 1: Tell Copernicus who you are and why you want him to publish his ideas. Paragraph 2: The first reason. (eg problems with the present theory)

Paragraph 3: The second reason. (eg science cannot develop unless people publish their ideas) Conclusion: Ask him again to reconsider publishing his ideas.

Answer these questions: (1)What was his theory about?(Para 1) (2)Why could he not tell about his theory?(Para 1) (3)What’s the problem with the present theory?(Para 2) (4)When did Copernicus complete his theory?(Para 3) (5)What qualities do the scientist have?(adj.)