Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

Directions for Mr. Jones' physics students: Complete the task(s) from a site. Work may be submitted electronically or by hard-copy. All hard-copy work must be typed. Complete work from, at least, five (5) History of Science sites for inclusion in your portfolio.

Site I - A Conversation with Galileo (You are at the correct site if you see the graphic above. Thanks to the site for its use! ) http://library.advanced.org/11924/galileo.html

1. How does Galileo's theory differ from Aristole's?

For more information on their differences click here. http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/history/aristotle_dynamics.html

2. How does Galileo answer this question "Why does a feather not fall in the same time as a rock?".

Galileo's Ramp Experiment

3. Using Galileo's explanation, a piece of flexible pipe insulation and a marble (see Mr. Jones for supplies), recreate Galileo's demonstration.

4. Write a script explaining how you would explain the demonstration to our physics class. You may also use Mr. Jones' rolling demonstration table to aid your discussion on inertia.

Site II - Galileo's Astronomical Discoveries (You are at the correct site if you see the graphic below. Thanks to the site for its use! ) http://library.advanced.org/11924/sgalileo.html

5. What did Galileo find out about Jupiter and why was this important?

6. Summarize Galileo's thoughts on the placement of the Earth in the Universe.

7. What happened to Galileo later in his life?

If you are really interested in Galileo's subjection to the Inquisition, check out this site: http://es.rice.edu:80/ES/humsoc/Galileo/Student_Work/Trial95/

If you want "MEGA" portfolio points, find some friends and create a short skit portraying part of Galileo's trial. (Length: 15-20 minutes, using the provided scripts from the Web site)

Site III - Find Galileo inside "Virtual Renaissance"

(You are at the correct site if you see the musicians to the right. Thanks to the site for its use! ) http://hyperion.advanced.org/3588/

Select portal 1 or 3.

Before you begin your search for Galileo, you may want to

read Giovanni Renaissanci's Insight into the Renaissance.

Begin your search for Galileo with Ye Olde Renaissance Map

8. Where did you find Galileo?

9. Who was your source?

10. Create a time line of his life and accomplishments.

11. Draw a picture of Galileo's Proportional Compass. List its four main functions.

Scroll down to find the street sign graphic and link to the Galileo Project Homepage (or click the address below).

Site IV - Galileo Project Homepage

(You are at the correct site if you see the graphic to the right.-->

Thanks to the site for its use! )

http://es.rice.edu:80/ES/humsoc/Galileo/

12. Investigate three (3) of the eight places within Galileo's Villa. Summarize what you learned from each visit.

13. Scroll down to Student Work. Link to the experiment on The Pendulum, Parabola, and Inclined Plane.

Explore the students' work on pendulums.

Do Galileo's Pendulum Experiments!

14. Replicate 3 of the 5 pendulum experiments. Submit a one page lab report for each experiment. Each report should follow our standard format:

  • Question
  • Hypothesis
  • Identify and Operationally Define Variables
  • Materials
  • Procedure
  • Data Table
  • Graph - if applicable
  • Conclusions: Include relevant quotes from the Students' Conclusions in your Lab Report's Conclusions.

Go to History of Science Index Page Return to Mr. Jones' Index Page