Ptolemy http://obs

Introduction

In this quest you will learn about the history of astronomy through the lives of famous scientists, and the nature of the universe. This information will enhance your knowledge of the universe and your appreciation of the role played by famous scientists in developing our understanding of the solar system

Here’s the situation: You and your partner own a travel agency called Jones Interplanetary Travel Inc. The year is 2042. Modern technology has evolved and has thus enabled humans to make interplanetary travel.

You are also asked to provide information on one of the early astronomers (Ptolemy, Copernicus, or Galileo).

The Task

Working in groups of two you must complete the process of understanding theories about the universe. Without this understanding interplanetary travel will not be successful. The future of space travel is in your hands!

The Process

1. Your teacher will assign you a partner.

2. Choose the scientist that you would like to research.

3. Your research on the Scientist should include:

· a short biography

· what was their significant contribution

· an interesting fact about the person

· what was happening during this time period

· what were his beliefs about the structure of the universe

4. One of you will trace the outline of your body on chart paper. This will represent the outline of the scientist. You will write each of the required bits of info on the life size drawing of the scientist.

5. When everyone is done they will share what they found with classmates.

Resources

Copernicus

http://obs.nineplanets.org/psc/theman.html

http://dir.yahoo.com/Science/astronomy/astronomers/copernicus__nicolaus__1473_1543_/

Ptolemy

http://obs.nineplanets.org/psc/theman.html

http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/Ptolemy.html

Galileo

http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Galileo.html

http://dir.yahoo.com/Science/astronomy/astronomers/galilei__galileo__1564_1642_/

Conclusion

Congratulations! Thanks to your assistance and expertise as an interplanetary travel agent, the trip was not only a success – but you’ve made history!

Imagine where mankind will be able to go at the end of the century? Where would you dream to go? Do you think that some day we will be able to visit life on another planet?