Copernicus’ Revolutionary Theory

Skim the Para.1 and draw the two theories of the universe with the following pictures.

Sun earth

Before Copernicus’ theory Showing Copernicus’ theory

Sunearth

Before Copernicus’ theory Showing Copernicus’ theory

Sun earthearth

Sun

Skim Para.1 and draw the two theories of the universe with the following pictures.

A diagram showing the solar system with the earth at its center.

A diagram showing the solar system with the sun at its center.

Read the text and answer the following questions.

1. What conclusion did Copernicus’ mathematical calculations lead to?

2. Why couldn’t he tell anyone about the theory?

3. How many years did Copernicus work on the problem to complete his theory?

4. When did Copernicus publish his theory?

1. What conclusion did Copernicus’ mathematical calculations lead to?

His mathematical calculations led to the conclusion: that the earth was not the center of the solar system.

2. Why couldn’t he tell anyone about the theory?

Because the powerful Christian Church would have punished him for even suggesting such an idea.

3. How many years did Copernicus work on the problem to complete his theory?

4 years.

4. When did Copernicus publish his theory?

He published his theory as he lay dying in 1543.

1. At Copernicus’ time, Christian Church was in charge

of many western countries.

2. Copernicus didn’t show his new theory to his friends

until he completed it.

3. His friends were not interested in his ideas.

4. Since he was not afraid of being attacked by the

Church, Copernicus published his book as soon as he

finished working on it.

5. Newton, Einstein, and Hawking are all scientists who

made contribution to the study of the universe.

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Discussion: If you were one of Copernicus’ friends, would you suggest him to publish his new theory? NO. As a scientist, Copernicus was more cautious th

an coward(懦弱的 ). He might be killed if he published the theory.

Every time when a new idea appears, there are always rejections.

Scientists should have patience to spread their truth.

Yes. He believes his new theory is true. There are problems with the present theory. He has done many years of observations to

prove his new theory is true. Science cannot develop unless people publish

their ideas. Time will show if his theory is true or not.

The structure of the letter

Beginning: Tell him who you are and what you want him to do (publish or not)

Para 2: Reason 1 and evidence Para 3: Reason 2 and evidence Ending: Ask him to think again about

publishing or not

One possible version:

Dear Nicolaus Copernicus,

I am a student studying astronomy and I would very much like to read your new theory about the solar system. I hope you will publish it for several reasons.

I understand the problems with the present theory. The way the planets move is not what you would expect if the earth was the centre of the universe. It is also odd that the brightness of some stars seems to change. So I agree with you that we need a new theory.

I know your observations have been very carefully carried out over many years. Now you must have the courage to publish them. Science can never advance unless people have the courage of their beliefs. I know you worry about what will happen if you publish your new theory. No matter how people oppose it, time will show if your ideas are right or wrong.

So I hope you will feel you can publish your new theory.

Yours sincerely,

Zhang Hua