Inquiry in the Natural World

Student Guide, Topic 2: Where Are We in the Universe?

Spring 2003

Topic objectives

1. Understand the structure of the universe and our location in it.

2. Be able to explain why astronomers came to believe in a heliocentric rather than geocentric model for the solar system.

3. Understand the difference between astronomy and astrology.

4. Be able to supply the arguments that Galileo made for a heliocentric Universe.

5. Be able to supply the arguments the Church made against Galileo's position on a heliocentric model.

Reading for Wednesday

Trefil and Hazen, The Sciences, Ch. 1 pp. 13-14; ch. 2 pp. 27 to 39;

Active Learning Exercises

Questions for discussion:

1. Do you believe the Earth is a sphere? Cite any evidence you have for your belief.

2. Do you believe in astrology? Why does science accept astronomy but not astrology?

3. What is a model? How are models used?

Reading for Friday

Excerpt from: Physics for the Inquiring Mind Eric Rogers (1960).

Questions for discussion:

1. What evidence did Galileo find to support the heliocentric model?

2. What arguments did the Church use against Galileo's "evidence"?

3. The article mentions several of Galileo's works. What were they? Discuss the ideas Galileo was trying to convey in each work.

4. Do you believe that the climate for new ideas is better today than it was during the time of Galileo? Why or why not?

Review Kepler's Laws. Be able to explain the three laws in your own words.