Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the life and contributions of Johannes Kepler, including his role in the fields of faith and science, and how his discoveries have shaped our understanding of the universe.
Materials and Prep
- Copy of "Giants of Faith and Science: Johannes Kepler"
- Notebook and pen for notes and reflections
- Art supplies (colored pencils, paper, etc.) for creative activities
- Access to a computer or tablet for research (optional)
Before the lesson, it would be helpful to familiarize yourself with the main themes of the book and have a brief overview of the historical context of Kepler's life.
Activities
- Character Map: Create a character map of Johannes Kepler. Draw a large circle in the center of a piece of paper with his name, and branch out with important facts about his life, beliefs, and scientific contributions.
- Timeline Creation: Construct a timeline of Kepler's major life events and discoveries. Use different colors to highlight events related to his faith versus his scientific achievements.
- Creative Writing: Write a short story or diary entry from the perspective of Johannes Kepler, describing a day in his life as he makes a significant discovery. Focus on his thoughts and feelings during that time.
- Science Experiment: Conduct a simple experiment demonstrating one of Kepler's laws of planetary motion. For example, use a ball and a string to illustrate elliptical orbits.
Talking Points
- "Johannes Kepler was a brilliant mathematician and astronomer. Can you guess what he is most famous for?"
- "He discovered that planets move in elliptical orbits, not perfect circles. Why do you think this was surprising to people back then?"
- "Kepler believed that studying the universe was a way to understand God's creation. How do you think science and faith can work together?"
- "He faced many challenges and criticisms from others. What would you do if you believed in something that others didn’t?"
- "Kepler's laws of planetary motion are still important today. How do you think they help scientists understand space?"