Enduring Understandings
StandardsDay OneObjective: To understand the improvements in technology and society that shaped the early changes in the Scientific Revolution.
Discussion Questions: How did the Renaissance and Reformation influence education in Europe? How did the "collapse" of the Catholic Church encourage people to question nature? How does the exchange of goods contribute to the exchange of ideas? Activities: 1. Students will take notes from a powerpoint on the Scientific Revolution. 2. Students will discuss the changes in European Society and make connections to changes in modern society. 3. Students will compare inductive vs. deductive reasoning and determine the benefits and pitfalls of both. Day TwoObjective: To critique the observations of this period and analyze their impact on religion.
Discussion Questions: Does scientific discovery undermine religious belief? What beliefs are shaped by religious doctrine? What beliefs are shaped by science? What happens when authority is questioned? Should the outcome influence our need to ask questions? Activities: 1. Students will watch videos summarizing the discoveries made in astronomy from Copernicus to Newton and take notes. 2. Students will work in groups to make a list of "modern" beliefs about science and we will discuss their validity using Cartesian skepticism. 3. Students will research different scientists and their contributions and create a resume. Day ThreeObjective: To understand the importance of the scientific method and its impact on not only science, but also the social sciences.
Discussion Questions: Can we make predictions about human behavior? How does information shape our perspective on the world? Do you think intelligent people are happier? Should accept predictions about games or elections? Activities: 1. Students will analyze "predictions" about the upcoming election and determine their accuracy. We will discuss the effectiveness of the predictions and if they shape the outcome. 2. Students will take notes on the different social sciences and we will discuss how Locke, Smith and Montesquieu used the scientific method to improve systems of government and the economy. Day FourObjective: To consider the political ideologies of Enlightenment thinkers including but not limited to Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau.
Discussion Questions: How does optimism differ from pessimism on our world view? How does being informed help us? Is ignorance really bliss? Activities: 1. Students will take notes on Enlightenment and we will discuss it's impact on Europe and the US. |
Essential Questions
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