The scientific revolution: discoveries and inventions Chapter 13, section 2 Pages 358-363

The voyage of Columbus causes doubts Europeans studied the work of many Greek thinkers and believed their theories. When Columbus went on his voyage, he took a copy of Ptolemy’s map of the world. He was surprised that NORTH AMERICA wasn’t included on the map. Why was this? Many Europeans couldn’t believe Ptolemy’s map was wrong!

The beginnings of the scientific revolution The fact that Ptolemy’s map was incorrect was a big deal. Soon, many European scientists began to question the theories of the Greek thinkers. Over time, more and more of the Greek thinkers’ theories were being proved wrong or were found to be un-true. This questioning of past theories and beliefs began the SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION!

Nicolaus Copernicus He published his book called “On the Revolution of the Celestial Spheres” in 1543. Ptolemy believed that the planets revolved around the Earth in a circle. Through experiments and observations, Copernicus discovered that this was NOT true. Copernicus is believed to be the first person to use the scientific method to prove a hypothesis.

Tycho Brahe Brahe was an astronomer from Denmark. Brahe was more well known for how he conducted experiments rather than what he discovered. He kept records of what he observed so that other scientists could use his information in the future.

Johannes Kepler Was an assistant to Tycho Brahe. Kepler discovered that planets moved in an elliptical orbit, not in a perfect circle. Even though he found that Copernicus was incorrect, he became one of the first people to defend his original theory.

Galileo Galilei One of the first astronomers to use a telescope to observe planets. He was also interested in how objects moved and behaved in space. Galileo used many models and experiments to prove his theories. He is considered to be the father of experimental science.

Sir Isaac newton Newton studied and simplified other scientist’s theories. In doing this he: Reviewed what scientists had been learning. Coupled this with his own observations. Identified 4 main theories of how the physical world worked. Many of his theories have been proven so many times that they are now laws!

Newton’s law of gravity Newton discovered that gravity was the force that caused the planets to orbit the sun. He discovered this by famously watching apples fall from a tree.

Newton’s Laws of Motion Newton believed the universe was a giant machine. He believed that everything in the universe must work together. His third law of motion is his most famous.

New inventions In 1590, Zacharias Janssen invented a simple microscope. Anton van Leeuwenhoek was the first scientist to use this new invention. He was the first person to discover microscopic organisms.

Other cool inventions The telescope was invented in Denmark around 1608. Galileo used a much improved version for many of his experiments. In 1643, the barometer was invented by Evangelista Torricelli. The microscope, telescope and barometer are still common today.

Exit ticket: On a SEPARATE piece of paper, answer these three questions: One thing I learned today is… One thing I’m not sure about from today’s notes is/are… I can use this knowledge/information again when I…