Ch 18: The Scientific Revolution
About This Chapter
The Scientific Revolution - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
The Scientific Revolution was a transformational period in world history, when major breakthroughs in science and medicine occurred and well-known figures like Isaac Newton and Galileo made their mark. Learn about their roles in the Scientific Revolution and the lasting effects it had on the world in this chapter. When you've watched all the video lessons, you'll be familiar with:
- Tyco Brahe's contributions
- Galileo and the telescope
- Kepler's role in the revolution
- Bacon and Descarte's scientific method
Video | Objectives |
---|---|
The Scientific Revolution: Definition, History, Causes & Leaders | Get an overview of the leaders of the Scientific Revolution and find out what led to it. |
Breakthroughs in Medicine & Chemistry: Examples, Lesson & Quiz | Discuss ideas introduced by scientists in the fields of medicine and chemistry. |
Tycho Brahe and Copernicus Take On the Known Universe | Explore theories introduced by Brahe and Copernicus and their influence on the field of astronomy. |
Galileo, the Telescope & The Church | Depict Galileo's contributions to science, including his use of the scientific method and telescope. Describe the church's reaction to his work. |
Isaac Newton's Role in the Scientific Revolution | Learn more about the work of Isaac Newton during the Scientific Revolution. |
Kepler's Role in the Scientific Revolution | Detail the contributions made by Johannes Kepler in the Revolution. |
Bacon, Descartes & the Scientific Method | Assess Bacon's and Descartes' contributions to the Scientific Revolution and use of the scientific method. |
Effects of the Scientific Revolution | Describe the effects on society that emerged from the Scientific Revolution. Explain how those changes remain relevant today. |

1. The Scientific Revolution: Definition, History, Causes & Leaders
The Scientific Revolution was a period of history when notable advances were made in science and astronomy. Explore the period and what made it unique, delve into its background, and look at some of the noteworthy scientists of the age.

2. Breakthroughs in Medicine & Chemistry: Examples & Empiricism
During the 16th and 17th centuries, many breakthroughs were made in medicine and chemistry. Explore medicine and chemistry before the Scientific Revolution, understand the impact on empiricism, and recognize how the fields moved forward in response to new ideas from scholars including Paracelsus, Andreas Vesalius, Robert Boyle, William Harvey, and iatrochemists.

3. Tycho Brahe and Copernicus Take On the Known Universe
In the 16th century, Tycho Brahe and Copernicus challenged ideas on the known universe. Explore these challenges and learn about humanism, the ancient Greek take on the stars, and the theories posed by Copernicus and Brahe.

4. Galileo, the Telescope & the Church
In the early 1600s, Italian scientist Galileo used a telescope to explore the solar system. Learn about Galileo, his experiments and scientific process, his use of the telescope, and the conflict his actions created with the Church.

5. Isaac Newton's Role in the Scientific Revolution
Isaac Newton is considered one of the most impactful scientists in history. Learn more about this esteemed scientist, including the part he played in the Scientific Revolution, and explore his most significant contributions to science.

6. Kepler's Role in the Scientific Revolution
Johannes Kepler held an important role in the Scientific Revolution through his contributions to astronomy. Learn about the life of astronomer Johannes Kepler, and explore how he formulated the Laws of Planetary Motion, was influenced by astrology and common scientific beliefs of his era, and helped to shape modern science.

7. Bacon, Descartes & the Scientific Method
The process known as the scientific method developed over time due to the contributions of many different thinkers. Review what the scientific method is, explore its early development including Aristotle's influence, and discover the impact that Roger Bacon, Francis Bacon, and Rene Descartes had on its later development.

8. Effects of the Scientific Revolution
The Scientific Revolution, challenging then-contemporary beliefs, invoked lasting cultural changes in the Western world. Explore the effects of challenging particular ~'truths,~' religion, superstitions, and the humanity-centric view of the universe.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the World History: Middle School course
- Paleolithic Era to the Agricultural Revolution
- Civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt & Kush
- The Ancient Hebrews
- Ancient Greek Civilization
- Early Civilization in India
- Early Civilization in China
- The Roman Republic
- The Roman Empire and Cultural Legacies
- The Byzantine Empire
- Islamic Civilizations in the Middle Ages
- Middle & Late Imperial China
- Africa (500-1800 CE)
- Feudal Japan
- Medieval Europe
- Meso-American & Andean Civilizations
- Renaissance Europe
- The Reformation in Europe
- The Enlightenment
- Europe and the Age of Exploration