Why Study The History Of Science?

why study the history of science

As much as I love science, the study of history comes in at a close second. I loved my history classes in high school and college and you will find me reading a historical account of an event or biography way before any fiction novel.

A few years back, I started thinking about the history of science. I had studied the important scientists and their works sporadically in my science studies when they correlated with a specific topic. But, I never studied these great minds and their discoveries in order of their occurrence in history. Then again, why would I want to?

The Importance Of Studying The History Of Science

Studying the history of science allows us to see how scientific knowledge has been growing and building over the centuries. We learn about the men and women who were curious enough about the natural world that they observed, hypothesized, and experimented to find answers. We gain appreciation for their dedication, their intellect, and their findings. We become inspired by them and all they have discovered and created.

I am always amazed when I think of a world where the Earth was considered the center of the universe and gravity was not known as a constant, natural law. These were discoveries that had to be made, and when they were this opened up more questions that needed to be answered.

A History Of Science Curriculum

We are big fans of Beautiful Feet Books curriculum. It is a readers dream. Each curriculum set is truly reading through history with quality literature and guides. My daughter has used Beautiful Feet for 9th grade and 10th grade and has absolutely loved it. We plan on staying with it through the rest of high school.

I was so excited when I heard about the new A History Of Science curriculum from Beautiful Feet and even more excited when they asked me to review it. It hits three of my loves: science, history, and Beautiful Feet!

why study the history of science?

A History Of Science is a year long curriculum geared toward 3rd through 7th grade, although the biographies and the DK book, The Way Science Works, could be great for older children, as well. The curriculum guides students through the history of scientific discovery by introducing them to the most important scientists from the ancient Greeks to the modern era.

why study the history of science

Students will read the biographies of Archimedes, Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, George Washington Carver, and Albert Einstein. However, don’t think this is all reading. Science is hands-on and students will do lots of experiments and learn to write lab reports. They will even learn the science of geography. Most of all, they will have fun!

why study the history of science