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Rice University

Galileo Project: The Copernican System

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from The Galileo Project of Rice University contains information relating to Copernicus's sun-centered solar system theory. Pictures are provided throughout this article along with links to additional information.
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PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Galileo: Sun Centered System

For Students 9th - 10th
In the early 1600s, most people believed that the Sun revolved around a stationary Earth. This video segment adapted from NOVA tells how Galileo proved that the Sun, not Earth, is at the center of our universe.
Article
University of Oregon

University of Oregon: Greek Science: Early Cosmology

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the evolution of ideas about the cosmos, from the Magic Cosmology of the Neolithic age to the stage of Mythical Cosmology, to the Geometric Cosmology of the ancient Greeks. The third stage advocated a rational approach to...
Handout
Florida State University

Florida State University: Science, Optics & You: Galileo Galilei

For Students 9th - 10th
Biography of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), one of the most famous scientists and inventors of all time. He is best remembered for his invention of the telescope, which caused him to question the contemporary belief that the Earth was the...
Handout
Other

University of Zagreb: Nicolaus Copernicus

For Students 9th - 10th
An interesting biography of Nicolaus Copernicus, the famous astronomer.
Handout
Cornell University

Cornell University: Astronomy: Aristarchus

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Cornell University provides a discussion of how Aristarchus arrived at his conclusions of the distance from the Earth to the Sun and Moon. Also has his methods for determining the size of the Moon and the Sun.
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University of St. Andrews (UK)

University of St. Andrews: Aristarchus of Samos

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives an extensive discussion of Aristarchus' accomplishments in determining the size of the sun and moon and in proposing a sun-centered universe.
Handout
Nine Planets

The Nine Planets: Venus

For Students 9th - 10th
In-depth information site on Venus, complete with a thorough glossary, links to a wide array of related sites, thumbnail picture files linked to larger images, and even a short audio file from a classic symphony.
Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: Galileo on Trial

For Students 9th - 10th
An explanation of the rationale behind the trial of Galileo by the Roman Catholic Inquisition for his scientific theories of heliocentrism. He was convicted of heresy and placed under house arrest, eventually confessing to his alleged...
Website
Wolfram Research

Wolfram Science World: Copernicus, Nicolaus (1473 1543)

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Nicolaus Copernicus and his contribution to science, specifically astronomy.
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Curated OER

Science Kids: Science Images: Nicolaus Copernicus

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a portrait of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Copernicus devised a heliocentric model of the universe that differed from other theories at the time.