Oklahoma Academic Standard 2, The student will analyze patterns of social, economic, political, and cultural changes during the rise of Western civilization and the Global Age (1400-1750 CE).

Objective 2.6  Compare how scientific theories and technological discoveries brought about social and cultural changes, including those made by Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton; describe the impact of Islamic learning.

In a Nutshell

Students should be encouraged to consider the concept that most knowledge and learning is a result of individuals questioning long accepted norms. The discoveries and theories of the Scientific Enlightenment realigned the basis for understanding the world and introduced the Scientific method. Institutions beyond the scientific community rapidly adopted this method of investigation which created dramatic changes throughout Western Society. In addition, the contributions of the Islamic world in math and sciences were confirmed and embraced by others.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Support students in evaluating the extent to which historical, cultural, and/or global perspectives affect an author’s state or implied purpose when comparing how scientific theories brought about social and cultural changes.

• Support students in assessing the significance of individuals and groups throughout world history by examining the lasting impact of scientific theories on societies.

• Construct visual and/or multimedia presentations regarding the social and cultural changes ignited by scientific advancements, using a variety of media forms to enhance understanding of findings and reasoning, for diverse audiences.

• Develop questions about multiple historical sources to pursue further inquiry and investigate additional sources.  

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• foundation of Renaissance science and impact of the work of the Greeks and Romans

• establishment of observation and experimentation as part of the Scientific Method

• changes met with resistance; viewed as hostile to tradition and established religion

• Astronomers: Copernicus, Galileo, & Kepler

• Mathematicians: Newton and Descarte

• Biology: Harvey and Leeuwenhoek

• Scientific Method: Francis Bacon

• Islamic innovation in math and astronomy, relationship to religious practices

• Some students may not recognize the fact that the advancements in science, though often separated from the rise in art and literature, were spawned by the same elements and catalysts in society.