Galilei,+Galilei

Thinkers' Name: Write a two paragraph Mini-Biography on your assigned Thinker. Your Mini-Biography should include: Birth and death dates, p lace of origin, chronological facts about his/her life, and any important or groundbreaking original works.

MINI-Biography:

Galileo Galilei was born on February 15, 1564 in Pisa, Italy. His father, Vincenzo Galilei, was a musician. Galileo's mother was Giulia degli Ammannati. Galileo was the first of six (though some people believe seven) children. His family belonged to the nobility but was not rich. In the early 1570's, he and his family moved to Florence. In 1581, Galileo attended the University of Pisa to study medicine. While studying at the university, Galileo discovered that he had a talent for mathematics. He was able to persuade his father to allow him to leave the university to become a tutor in mathematics. He later became a professor of mathematics. Galileo used his mathematics knowledge and technical skills to improve upon the spyglass and build a telescope. He is known for inventing the astronomical telescope but the invention that made him famous is called the hydrostatic balance which is an equal-arm balance in which an object is weighed first in air and then in a beaker of water to determine its specific gravity. He also helped discover many secrets of astronomy and natural motion. He worked with Issac Newton when discovering the laws of motion and confirming the Copernican theory of the solar system. He died on January 8, 1642 at the age of 77. It has been said that Galileo was blinded by complications of cataracts and glaucoma.

~ What events in this person's life, from child to adulthood, shaped him or her?

~ What hurdles did they overcome in order to accomplish what they did?

~ What did this person do that was the highlight of their life?

~ Did this person do anything that was special and affected many others?