Social Influences on Science and Technology

Activities

Ideas	Activities
c	Semmelweis
c	Development of the Germ Theory of Disease
b, c	What did Galileo See?

1. Semmelweis

  (estimated time: 45 minutes)

This extract from 'The Century of the Surgeon' by Jurgen Thorwald is a version of the story of Semmelweis. The activity expects the student to read a substantial passage, and then answer some questions covering ideas about science and 'germ theory of disease'.

The full, uncut extract can be Semmelweis extract (67 KB) here for students who like a challenging read.

teachers notes and student sheets (, 27 KB)

2. Development of the Germ Theory of Disease

This activity could be used as a summary at the end of the topic or as a revision exercise. It could be used as a paired class activity or as homework.

Teacher Notes & Student Sheets (, 63 KB)

3. What did Galileo See?

This activity involves constructing a simple 'galilean' telescope, making observations of a lunar image, recording observations and answering questions on validity of observations.

Teacher Notes and Student Sheets (, 76 KB)