SRSP 11-16 Topic 3 Unit 1b – The Greeks

In this topic pupils examine the growth of scientific ideas in Ancient Greece, from the first natural philosophers of Ionia, through Plato and Aristotle in Athens to Ptolemy of Alexandria.

They are encouraged to reflect on the influences of Ancient Greek ideas on the growth and direction of science, religion and culture.

The Ancient Greeks were the first to recognize that:

Nature embodies profound truths that go beyond appearances

These truths can be observed, measured, modelled and used for prediction

There is an underlying cosmic order which is open to being understood.

This unit consists of 3 lessons and is suitable for students aged from 11 to 13 years, and 2 lessons for students from 14 to 16 years.

Key Questions

What did the Greeks believe about how the world works?
Was religion seen as a negative or a positive influence in thinking and discovery?
What relationships existed between religion and science at this time?

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Ages 11-14