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Background
The Scientific Revolution develops as a offshoot of the
Renaissance. The same spirit of inquiry that
fueled the Renaissance, led scientists to question traditional
beliefs about the workings of the universe. One of
the main ideas to come out of the Scientific Revolution
was the use of the Scientific Method.
The Scientific Method uses observation and experimentation
to explain theories on how the universe works.
Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus developed the heliocentric model
of the universe. This states  that
the sun is the center, and that the earth revolves
around it. Despite his calculations, many scholars
disagree with his theories and continue to believe in
the geocentric model proposed by the
ancient Greek Ptolemy 1500 years earlier.
Galileo
Galileo continues Copernicus' work by observing the
skies with a homemade
telescope. Although he was able to prove
Copernicus correct, his work was rejected by the Church
and he was forced to recant (take back) or face
execution.
Newton
 Isaac
Newton built upon the earlier work of Copernicus and
Galileo and used mathematics to describe gravity
as the force that keeps planets revolving around the
sun. He also explained that this same force is
what causes objects to fall to earth.
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