Inquiry in the Natural World
Student Topic Guide, Topic 2 Spring
2005
Topic 2 objectives
1.
Know how the following terms apply to astronomy: retrograde motion, celestial sphere,
ecliptic, Polaris(celestial north pole).
2.
Know how it took a combination of Babylonian and Greek
approaches to astronomy to produce a truly scientific work like Ptolemy’s
Almagest.
3.
Know the similarities and differences between Ptolemy’s
cosmology and Aristotle’s, and the strengths and weaknesses of the two systems.
4.
Understand the similarities and differences between
Copernicus’ cosmology and Ptolemy’s, and the advantages and disadvantages of
Copernicus’ heliocentric system, relative to Ptolemy’s geocentric system.
5.
Know the similarities and differences
between the Copernican and Brahe models of the Universe.
6.
Understand how Kepler came up with his 1st and 2nd
laws of planetary motions.
Reading for Wednesday (Large lecture in Murphy
A)
Chapter
4 – textbook pp. 37-43
Reading
for Friday (Small lecture in regular classroom)
Chapter
4 – textbook pp. 43- 51
Questions for discussion
1. What is a model? How are models used?
2. Do you believe the Earth is a sphere? Cite any evidence you have for your belief.
Reading
for Monday (Small lecture in regular classroom)
Chapter
5 – textbook pp. 52- 58
Questions for discussion
1. Compare the Ptolemaic and Copernican
models. In your comparison, include the
terms heliocentric, geocentric, epicycle, deferent, equant, eccentric point.
2. How might any of the rules of thumb for
scientists be applied to Ptolemy and Copernicus? Would you consider either a scientist?
Reading
for Wednesday(Small lecture in regular classroom)
Chapters
5 and 6 – textbook pp. 58-71
Questions for discussion
1. State in your own words Kepler's three
Laws. Be able to use the terms ellipse,
focus, period in your statement.
2. Did Tycho Brahe's model of the known
Universe hinder any other models of the day or later?