Activity Overview
The link between the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment is important for students to understand when they're studying this time period. It is clear evidence that a way or method of thinking can have an impact on a wide variety of social issues. In this case, embracing logic and reason in science inspired a whole new way to look at government.
In this activity, students will create a T-Chart that provides examples of how old ways of thinking about science were transformed by reason and logic. The storyboard must have:
- Two columns: One labeled “Old Thinking” the other labeled “New Thinking”
- Three examples of old Scientific approaches that changed during the Scientific Revolution
- A fourth example that shows how applied logic and reasoning transformed government
Extended Activity
Students could create additional examples of political changes that happened as a result of reason. Students should also address the following question: "Why was the application of reason and logic to scientific problems easier than applying the same concepts to political and social problems?”
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows how the old ways of science were changed by reason and logic.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe three examples of "Old Thinking" in science and one for how the government was viewed.
- In the other column, describe three examples of "New Thinking" in science and one for how government was transformed.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The link between the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment is important for students to understand when they're studying this time period. It is clear evidence that a way or method of thinking can have an impact on a wide variety of social issues. In this case, embracing logic and reason in science inspired a whole new way to look at government.
In this activity, students will create a T-Chart that provides examples of how old ways of thinking about science were transformed by reason and logic. The storyboard must have:
- Two columns: One labeled “Old Thinking” the other labeled “New Thinking”
- Three examples of old Scientific approaches that changed during the Scientific Revolution
- A fourth example that shows how applied logic and reasoning transformed government
Extended Activity
Students could create additional examples of political changes that happened as a result of reason. Students should also address the following question: "Why was the application of reason and logic to scientific problems easier than applying the same concepts to political and social problems?”
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows how the old ways of science were changed by reason and logic.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe three examples of "Old Thinking" in science and one for how the government was viewed.
- In the other column, describe three examples of "New Thinking" in science and one for how government was transformed.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Enlightenment Changed Thinking: Comparison Activity
Integrate Enlightenment Thinking into Daily Classroom Discussions
Encourage students to connect Enlightenment ideas with everyday situations by prompting open-ended questions during lessons. This approach helps students see the relevance of logic and reason beyond historical facts, fostering critical thinking skills in real time.
Model Critical Questioning with Historical Scenarios
Use 'what if' scenarios from the Enlightenment era to prompt students to question assumptions and evaluate evidence. This hands-on strategy demonstrates how questioning leads to new perspectives and discoveries, mirroring the shift from old to new thinking.
Facilitate Small Group Debates on Enlightenment Ideas
Assign groups to debate topics like the role of reason in government or science. This method engages all learners, encourages respectful discourse, and deepens understanding of how Enlightenment principles apply to modern issues.
Connect Enlightenment Concepts to Current Events
Ask students to identify and discuss examples in today’s news where logic and reason influence decisions. Making real-world connections helps students internalize Enlightenment thinking and recognize its ongoing impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about Enlightenment Changed Thinking: Comparison Activity
What is the connection between the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment?
The Scientific Revolution introduced methods of logical reasoning and observation, which inspired the Enlightenment thinkers to apply similar principles to government and society, leading to major political and social reforms.
How can I teach students the difference between old and new ways of thinking during the Enlightenment?
Use a T-Chart activity where students list examples of Old Thinking versus New Thinking in science and government. This visual comparison helps clarify the shift from traditional beliefs to reason-based approaches.
What are some examples of old scientific approaches that changed during the Scientific Revolution?
Examples include moving from the geocentric model to the heliocentric model of the solar system, replacing superstition with the scientific method, and shifting from reliance on ancient texts to evidence-based discovery.
Why was it easier to apply reason to scientific problems than to political or social issues during the Enlightenment?
Applying reason to science relied on observable facts and experiments, while political and social change faced resistance from tradition, power structures, and deeply held beliefs, making reforms slower and more challenging.
What is a simple classroom activity to help students understand Enlightenment thinking?
Have students create a T-Chart storyboard comparing old and new ideas in science and government, illustrating each example. This hands-on activity reinforces the impact of logical reasoning during the Enlightenment.
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Enlightenment & Scientific Revolution
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