The Great Questioning

This sequence explores the Scientific Revolution as a pivotal shift from tradition to observation. Students investigate the heliocentric model, Galileo's discoveries, and the formalization of the scientific method through hands-on simulations and a mock trial.

Authority vs Observation

Students participate in an experiment where they must choose between believing a 'textbook' statement that is clearly wrong versus their own eyes. This introduces the shift from Aristotle's authority to empirical evidence.

The Heliocentric Debate

Using models or digital simulations, students compare the Ptolemaic (Earth-centered) and Copernican (Sun-centered) systems. They analyze why the Earth-centered view made sense from the ground and why the math of the Sun-centered view was better.

Galileo and the Telescope

Students learn about Galileo's improvements to the telescope and examine his sketches of the moon and Jupiter's moons. They discuss how technology extends human senses and provides evidence for theory.

The Trial of Galileo

The class enacts a mock trial or structured debate focusing on the conflict between Galileo and the Church. Students analyze primary source documents regarding the trial to understand the tension between tradition and innovation.

The Scientific Method Roots

Students trace the steps of the scientific method as developed by Bacon and Descartes. They apply this method to a simple classroom problem, cementing the link between Renaissance thinking and modern science.