Scientists study the Universe in order to
find out how and why things happen.
There are many different branches of science,
such as physics, chemistry, and astronomy.
Scientists make careful observations of
the phenomena they are studying. They
construct possible explanations for their
observations, known as theories or
hypotheses. Then they experiment to
test whether their theories are accurate.Scientists
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The Bunsen burner,
an adjustable gas
burner used in science
experiments, is named
after German scientist
Robert Bunsen (1811–99)(^1) SIR ISAAC NEWTON
English physicist and mathematician
Newton (1642–1727) proposed the laws
of motion that explain how forces move
objects, and went on to devise a theory
of gravity. Newton also studied optics,
the science of light, and explained how
white light is made up of many colours.
(^6) BLAISE PASCAL
Frenchman Pascal (1623–62) explored
many practical applications of science and
mathematics. He invented a mechanical
calculator, a device made up of dials and
gears, as well as a type of syringe. He also
did experiments with air pressure.
(^2) MARIE CURIE
Marie Curie (1867–1934) was born in
Poland, but carried out her investigations
into radioactivity in Paris with her French
husband, Pierre. She discovered the
elements (substances) polonium and
radium in 1898, and won two Nobel Prizes.
Marie Curie died of leukaemia, probably
due to long exposure to radiation.
(^7) GALILEO
Italian astronomer and mathematician,
Galileo (1564–1642) was the first person
to use a telescope for studying the sky.
He discovered the four largest satellites of
Jupiter, today known as the Galilean moons.
Pascal’s mechanical
calculator could
only add up, and was
not very accurate
The unit of electric current
known as ampère or amp
is named after French
scientist André-Marie
Ampère (1775–1836)
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