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Galileo's Battle for the Heavens
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
Ask students what they know about Galileo Galilei. Where and when did he live? (In Italy during the 16th and 17th centuries.) What did he do? (He was considered the first truly modern scientist because of his systematic observation of the real world; his main contributions were in the fields of physics and astronomy.) What happened to Galileo? (He was tried and found guilty in 1633 by the Catholic Church's Inquisition for his scientific beliefs.) Galileo made a number of scientific observations during his lifetime. As they watch, have students take notes on his contrbutions to science. Have students record what Galileo studied, how he studied it, and any conclusions he drew.
After Watching
Lead a discussion about Galileo. What was the most powerful institution in Italy when Galileo lived? How did his discoveries contradict beliefs of his time? What happens when discoveries don't fit into the currently held belief system? How are controversial science research efforts, like fetal tissue research or cloning, handled by today's institutions, such as government or religious organizations? Review students' notes about Galileo's scientific contributions. What areas did he study? Which of his scientific discoveries were the most revolutionary and why?
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