This week in our Famous Scientist Series, we are learning about the “Father of Modern Science”. That would be the famous Renaissance philosopher, inventor, scientist, astronomer and mathematician: Galileo Galilei.
Do you ever look up at the sky in wonder, specifically the moon and want to know what is on it and what it is made of? If you have ever taken your children outside with a telescope, you have Galileo to thank for that! He was the first person to ever study the sky with a telescope that he built himself. His discoveries are amazing, like finding out that the moon has mountains on it. He discovered the rings of Saturn, the moons that travel around the earth and so much more.
Not only did he have so much to contribute to the science of astronomy, he was a great physicist as well. He proposed the first theory of relativity: that the laws of physics are the same for all observers moving in a straight line at constant speed. He also stated the principle of inertia.
Biography of Galileo Galilei:
Galileo Galilei was born on February 15, 1564 in Pisa, Italy. He was the oldest of seven children. His father was a well-known composer who played the lute. Galileo also played the lute string instrument. He was torn between wanting to be a Catholic priest or a doctor when he grew up. His father wanted him to go to school to study medicine at the age of 17. When he was 18, he became fascinated with mathematics and the movement of pendulums. He recognized and understood the principal of movement from being a musician. This stirred so much excitement and passion in him to study math and physics instead of medicine.
He continued to want to learn even more, and also began to study art and drawing! Galileo never even finished his college degree. His first scientific book was published at the age of 22. With more and more of his discoveries, he got into trouble with the Catholic Church. His publications on his discoveries greatly went against what they were teaching. He was on house arrest for 8 years because of it. He died on January 8, 1642, at the age of 77, shortly after he was released.
You can find out even more about his life, education, family and all of his discoveries HERE at Biography.com.
Galileo Galilei Biography for Kids – Ducksters
Galileo Scientist Facts – Science Kids
Are you learning about astronomy in your science studies, or the Renaissance time period in history? If so, you will enjoy learning about Galileo with this round up of free printables and resources.
Recommended Resource: Famous People Notebook: Scientists
Explore the life and work of 10 scientists that changed history. Our biographical unit studies include text, comprehension questions, written narration, and answers.
Free Printables and Resources about Galileo Galilei:
All About Galileo Worksheet – Education.com
Father of Modern Science Printable Poster of Galileo – Art Skills
Galileo Fun Activity Worksheets – TPT
Galileo Galilei Notebooking Page – Homeschool Helper Online
Scientific Revolution Lesson Plan: Galileo on Trial Power Point (for grades 9-12) – TPT
Galileo Guided Biography Study – TPT
Lego History Galileo Unit Study – Adventures in Mommydom
Galileo Facts for Kids – Cool Kid Facts
[Free Mini-Course] Let’s Study Galileo: Understanding Science & Truth
Hands – on Projects and Activities to go with a Galileo study:
Galileo Star Viewer Craft – Teach Beside Me
Swinging with Galileo Physical Science Experiment – Kids Fun Science
What Goes Up Must Come Down Galileo Falling Objects Experiment – Science Buddies
Galileo Gravity Experiments for Kids – Science Sparks
Websites about Galileo:
The Galileo Games: Galileo’s Experiments at the Leaning Tower of Pisa with video – Nova Online PBS
The Galileo Project – has a Galileo biography with links to his life and his discoveries. There are lesson plans for science, church history, the Inquisition, the Renaissance and more.
Museo Galileo is a museum devoted to Galileo and his discoveries. The website is a treasure trove of information, photos. research information and lesson plans.
These books will go great with a Galileo unit study in your homeschool:
Who Was Galileo?World History Biographies: Galileo: The Genius Who Charted the UniverseGalileo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, 25 Activities (For Kids series)Who Was Galileo Galilei?: Galileo Galilei Biography for KidsStarry Messenger: Galileo GalileiAlong Came Galileo
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Sarah is a wife, daughter of the King and Mama to 4 children (one who is a homeschool graduate)! She is a an eclectic, Charlotte Mason style homeschooler that has been homeschooling for almost 20 years.. She is still trying to find the balance between work and keeping a home and says she can only do it by the Grace of God, and Coffee!
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