Johannes Kepler was a German astronomer, inventor and mathematician from the 17th century. He is best known for creating the laws of planetary motion. He was one of the most influential figures in the scientific revolution. If you are studying astronomy, and planets you will enjoy learning about Johannes Kepler.
He is most known for the discovery of the three laws of planetary motion. This made him the chief founder of modern astronomy. These laws were actually the foundation for Newton’s theories about gravity. Do your children ever look up at the night sky and wonder how every thing moves and works? Kepler was the one who figured that out!
In order for him to understand planetary motion he had to invent quite a few things to help him discover that first. Many people don’t realize that not only was he a famous astronomer, he was also a great inventor. He laid the ground work for some pretty great inventions.
Johannes Kepler Inventions:
- Eyeglasses – if you wear glasses to correct your vision, you can can thank Johannes Kepler for that. He worked with the lenses in the eyeglasses so that people who were both near and far-sighted would be able to have their vision corrected.
- Log Books – He actually created a scientific log book. There were no log books, or spreadsheets or ways to keep track of data in the 17th century. He recorded all of his observations and left room for others to be able to do the same and continue his studies.
- Kepler Telescope – The telescope gave a wider view of the sky than other telescopes of that time period. The images from the telescope could be projected to a white screen to be tracked for research.
- Rudolphine Tables – this was a catalog of stars, and planetary tables along with a printable map of the world at that time. Named after a famous Holy Roman Emperor.
- Astronomia Nova – This is his most famous published work. It was a ten-year-long investigation of the motion of Mars. This is considered one of the most important books in astronomy. All the famous scientists read and devoured his work.
Johannes Kepler Biography:
Johannes Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, in Weil, Germany. He contracted small pox when he was only 3 years old, and was a very sickly child. This led to vision issues later in his life. His parents took him to see his first eclipse when he was only 5. They took him to see stars and comets too.
He became fascinated with planets and the night sky as he was growing up. In 1580 he witnessed his first eclipse of the moon. He went on to study math and astronomy and studied under Nicolaus Copernicus.
You can read some more about his life and work in his biography from The Famous People.
FREE Printables and Resources About Johannes Kepler:
Johannes Kepler Facts – Science Kids
Johannes Kepler Lesson Plans – Study.com
Brittanica for Kids – Johannes Kepler
Johannes Kepler Facts for Kids – Kids Kiddle
Johannes Kepler, his life, laws and times – NASA
Fun Facts About Johannes Kepler with video – Easy Science for Kids
Kepler’s Top 10 Major Contributions to Science – there are also lots of photographs and diagrams. – Learnado Newtonic
The Keplarian Telescope – History of Telescope
Johannes Kepler Timeline Worksheet – Write Bonnie Rose
Learn about Planetary Motion with these Science activities and lesson plans:
Kepler Laws of Planetary Motion Lesson Plan – Study.com
Johannes Kepler: Unlocking the Secrets of Planetary Motion – Space.com
Kepler’s Three Laws with diagrams and experiments – The Physics Classroom
Planetary Motion Worksheets – Kiddy Math
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.
If you are studying astronomy in your homeschool, you may also be interested in these posts:
Teaching Your Kids Astronomy at Home
Astronomy Videos Your Kids Will Enjoy
Using Astronomy to Make Science Fun Again
FREE Printables for Use With Apologia’s Astronomy Book
FREE Printables and Resources About Nicolaus Copernicus
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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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