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.