Scientific Revolution

Scientific Revolution

Period when scientists increasingly used observation, experimentation, mathematics, and reason to understand nature

Heliocentric Theory

Theory that the Sun is at the center of the solar system and planets orbit it

Geocentric Theory

Model placing Earth at the center of the universe

Nicolaus Copernicus

Developed the influential modern heliocentric model

Galileo Galilei

Improved the telescope and used observations to support heliocentrism

Johannes Kepler

Discovered that planets travel in elliptical orbits

Isaac Newton

Developed the laws of motion and universal gravitation

Francis Bacon

Promoted observation and experimentation in developing scientific methods

René Descartes

Emphasized logic, reasoning, and systematic doubt

Scientific Method

Process of asking questions, forming hypotheses, testing ideas, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions