SCIENCE VINGETTE-GALILEO

By:  Gary Lipon (0380333)

 

Curriculum Fit

Grade:  Grade 9

Subject:  Science

Unit E:  Space Exploration (Science and Technology emphasis)

Key Comcepts:  Technologies for space exploration and observation, and satellites and orbits

STS and Knowledge Outcomes

Students will:

  1. Investigate and describe ways that human understanding of Earth and space has depended on technological development

-identify different perspectives on the nature of Earth and space, based on culture and science

-investigate and illustrate the contribution of technological advances to a scientific understanding of space

 

Up until the early 1960s, people believed that the earth was the center of the universe, and that the sun and planets revolved around it.  They might still if, Galileo Galilei had not risked his life to show that the earth and planets revolve around the sun.  Galileo’s beliefs about the sun being the center of the universe were greatly influenced by Copernicus.  Copernicus, however, did not have any scientific proof to back up his accusations.    Thus, going on a hunch, Galileo started to search for evidence supporting this viewpoint.  Galileo was able to provide evidence for the Copernicun system through his use of the newly invented telescope.  Through the refinement of the telescope, Galileo was able to visualize objects moving in the sky in ways not previously suspected.  Galileo’s discovery of Jupiter’s four moons was instrumental in supporting the heliocentric viewpoint.  Galileo concluded that the moons must have a motion all their own.  This discovery ran counter to the Church of Rome’s teaching that all heavenly bodies revolved around the earth.  Further, it was also support for the Copernican system:  if these moons could move around a planet, the planets themselves may possibly move around the sun.

 

In Galileo’s time, the Church who was a powerful entity in Italy held the traditional view of the universe.  Thus, Galileo put his life in jeopardy when he opposed the views of the all-powerful Church.  After Galileo published his findings, he was imprisoned, and put on trial for his life. 

 

Questions for Discussion

  1. How is it possible for the Church to ignore Galileo’s viewpoint considering the scientific proof supporting his position?
  2. Are we normally reluctant in accepting a new viewpoint in science?
  3. What impact does society have on the nature of science and scientific discovery?

 

 

References

Cobb, V.  (1979).  Truth on Trial:  The Story of Galileo Galilei.  Longman Canada Limited, Toronto

Brophy, James, D  (1962).  The Achievement of Galileo.  New York, Twayne Publishers

Stillman, D.  (1957).  Discoveries and Opinions of Galileo.  Garden City, N. Y:  Double day

Salusbury, T.  (1953(.  Dialogue on the Great World Systems.  Chicago:  University of Chicago Press