Famous Scientists
Copernicus 1473-1543 “Father of Modern Astronomy”
An astronomer. Ptolemy’s theory: The earth is at the center of the universe; the sun and planets revolve
around the earth. Copernican theory: The sun is at the center of the universe; the earth and other
planets revolve around the sun. But Copernicus could not prove his theory.
Galileo* 1564-1642 “Father of Modern Experimental Science”
An astronomer and mathematician. Using the newly-invented telescope, he found evidence to prove the
Copernican theory. Because the Copernican theory contradicted the teachings of the Catholic Church,
Galileo was persecuted by the Inquisition. But Galileo could not explain: Do planets make a circle
around the sun? If Earth moves, then why don’t objects go flying into outer space? Galileo also studied
physics. Aristotle said that heavy objects fall at a faster speed than light objects. Galileo tested this
theory by running an experiment: He dropped objects from the Tower of Pisa and discovered the law of
falling bodies - light or heavy, an object falls at the same rate of speed. Aristotle was wrong.
Kepler 1571-1630 The universe operates according to regular laws
A mathematician. Using math calculations, he explained Copernicus was right: The Earth and other
planets could revolve around the sun - if they did so in an elliptical orbit. (Oval, not a circle.) But if the
Earth is moving, then why don’t objects go flying out into outer space?
Newton 1642-1727 Law of Universal Gravitation
A mathematician. He discovered gravity! He then used gravity to explain why Copernicus was right.
Every planet follows the laws of gravity: On Earth, gravity makes objects fall to the ground. (Not go
flying into outer space.) In the Universe, gravity makes planets stay in their orbits.
Francis Bacon 1561-1625 “Father of the Scientific Method”
A philosopher and Scientists must conduct experiments in the laboratory! Systematic experimentation
can reveal all the laws of nature. He inspired the Royal Society in London and the Academy of Sciences
in Paris.
Descartes 1596-1650 “Father of Modern Philosophy”
A mathematician. Scientists must act like mathematicians! A mathematician uses pure reason. He
follows the numbers and is never influenced by prejudice. Famous quotation: “I think, therefore I am.”
(Only human beings have the power to use reason and logic.)
Directions: Match each statement to a Scientist or Scientists.
1. Father of Modern Experimental Science
2. Father of the Scientific Method
3. Father of Modern Astronomy
4. Invented the Copernican theory
5. Discovered evidence to support the Copernican theory.
6. He theorized that the planets go around the sun.
7. Using the telescope, he watched the planets go around the sun.
8. Using math, he explained how the planets go around the sun. (oval orbit)
9. He discovered that objects fall to the ground at the same rate of speed.
10. He discovered why objects fall to the ground.
11. The universe operates according to regular laws.
12. He discovered the law of gravity.
13. If you conduct experiments, you can discover all the laws.
14. If you use reason (not prejudice), you won’t get into trouble.
15. Heck, I used reason and got into a lot of trouble with the Church.
The ABCs of the Scientific Revolution
Directions: Write a statement for each Letter that deals with the scientific revolution.
Use previous page to help you
Astronomy studies the stars.
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Inquiry and observe
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Zhere you are done 
Directions: Identify which of the Scientists is the subject of each of the political cartoon.
1
2
3
4
5