17th Century Science Lesson Plans

Eighth graders draw the paths of the planets in the solar system. In this astronomy instructional activity, 8th graders calculate speed of objects using distance and time information. They research about the work of scientists in the 16th and 17th century.

Students study Galileo and his scientific discoveries. They complete a series of experiments/model constructions, using 17th century equipment and procedures, to "recreate," demonstrate and explore the various discoveries of Galileo.

Students study the history and culture of 17th century Japan by examining samurai. They review the format of haiku poetry and examine renga poetry. They examine Kamishibai, the Japanese storytelling form and apply it five facts they discover.

Third graders create a KWL chart about water. In this environmental science activity, 3rd graders demonstrate how much water on Earth is usable. They act out the different stages of the water cycle.

Students identify the main components of the solar system. In this earth science lesson, students order the planets according to their distances from the Sun. They differentiate planets from dwarf planets.

Students investigate how light travels. In this optic science lesson plan, students discover that light travels in a straight line through a laser pointer demonstration. Students also study how pinhole cameras work by considering how light travels. Images, diagrams, and background information are included.

Sixth graders explore the Renaissance. In this world history lesson plan, 6th graders view a PowerPoint presentation about the historical era and then discuss the changes in art, religion, science, and culture of the time period. The PowerPoint presentation is not included.

Students participate in a warm-up activity by attending a football match writing an account of who won the game. They discuss how their account could differ from someone else's account of the game. They discuss how different people's interpretations compares to historiography. They read three different accounts about Boyle and answer questions about their similarities and differences. They follow up with studying Newton and comparing him to Boyle.

Students investigate the electromagnetic spectrum, focusing on visible light. They are introduced to the idea that all light travels as waves, and that wavelength defines the various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Students examine the style of an 18th-century compound microscope and its case. In this scientific design lesson, students look at Jacques Caffieri's, "Compound Microscope and Case" before comparing the design to a modern microscope. They design their own scientific or technological instrument using pencils, colored pencils, and drawing paper.