ear 11 Science Research Task

Galileo Galilei

• Background: Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer (1564–1642), studied at the University of Pisa.

• Title: Known as the "father of modern science."

Contributions to Astronomy

• Confirmed heliocentric model.

• Discovered Jupiter’s moons.

• Observed phases of Venus.

• Identified sunspots.

• Analyzed Milky Way’s composition.

Improvements to Telescope

• Enhanced magnification to 30x.

• Notable discoveries: Jupiter's four largest moons, rugged Moon surface, Saturn's rings (misidentified), phases of Venus.

Implications of Discoveries

• Jupiter’s moons challenged geocentric model, supporting heliocentrism.

• Phases of Venus aligned with heliocentric predictions.

• Sunspots indicated the heavens were not static.

Conflict with Catholic Church

• Advocacy for heliocentrism contradicted Church doctrine.

• Trial for heresy in 1633, forced recantation, sentenced to house arrest, and works banned.

Contributions to Physics

• Formulated laws of falling bodies.

• Studied inertia, developed principles of relativity.

• Laid groundwork for classical mechanics.

Influence on Later Scientists

• Influenced Isaac Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation.

Technological Legacy

• Impact on modern telescopes, satellite navigation, engineering, and space exploration.

Lasting Impact on Astronomy

• Established observational astronomy and transformed understanding of the cosmos.

Archimedes

• Background: Ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer known for contributions to geometry, calculus, and hydrostatics.

Key Contributions

• Inventions: Archimedes' Principle, Archimedean screw, lever systems, mathematical methods for calculating areas.

Archimedes' Principle

• States: An object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.

• Discovery tied to purity testing of King Hiero's crown, famously exclaiming "Eureka!"

Buoyancy

• Buoyancy helps objects float; determined by weight relations with displaced fluid.

Real-Life Applications

• Utilized in shipbuilding, submarines, and medical research.

Significance in Fluid Mechanics

• Foundations of hydrostatics and fluid dynamics essential to engineering.

Warfare Contributions

• Designed war machines including catapults and the Claw of Archimedes.

Lasting Influence on Science

• Impacted Renaissance scientists, shaping modern physics and engineering.

Fire Stick Farming

• Definition: Traditional land management practice by Indigenous Australians using controlled low-intensity fires.

Benefits

• Reduces risk of large wildfires and maintains biodiversity.

• Creates habitat mosaics supporting diverse species.

Comparison with Modern Methods

• Promotes ecological balance vs. modern suppression leading to vegetation overgrowth.

Specific Plant Management

• Encouraged growth of nutrient-rich plants attracting herbivores; examples include bush potatoes.

Environmental Impact of Loss

• Led to uncontrolled wildfires, habitat loss, and ecosystem imbalances.

Medicinal Plant Knowledge

• Development: Knowledge built through generations via oral tradition and practical use.

Examples of Medicinal Plants

• Tea Tree: Antiseptic for wounds.

• Gumby gumby: Treats respiratory issues.

• Lemon Tree: Boosts immunity.

• Soap Tree: Antibacterial for infections.

Comparison with Western Medicine

• Some remedies validated by science; additional research needed on others.

Preservation of Knowledge

• Combined traditional practices with modern technology for efficacy and usability.

Importance of Respecting Indigenous Knowledge

• Provides insights for sustainable management of land and health, ensuring cultural preservation and biodiversity.