Teaching Guide: On the Shoulders of Giants: Inertia from Ibn Sīnā to Newton

AUG 07, 2020

This teaching guide introduces the law of inertia and highlights the contributions of scholars during the Islamic Golden Age.

AIP History

Depiction of Persian Polymath Ibn Sina (Avicenna), An Early Contributor to the Law of Inertia Photography by Adam Jones, of Silver Vase from the Museum at BuAli Sina Mausoleum (CC BY-SA 2.0 License)

This teaching guide introduces the law of inertia. In addition to presenting this crucial concept, the lesson provides a historical background behind Newton’s First Law which highlights the contributions of scholars during the Islamic Golden Age. This lesson plan is enhanced by the use of this timeline.
Grade level(s): 6-8, 9-12, College
Guide subjects: History, Physics
Minority Group(s): Muslim
In-class time: 50-70 minutes
Prep time: 30-60 minutes
Technology Requirements: Student web access not required, Audio/Video optional
Common Core Standards: Speaking & Listening, History/Social Studies, Science & Technical Subjects, Subject Writing
Next Generation Science Standards: Motion and Stability: Forces and Interaction

Downloads

Teaching Guide: On the Shoulders of Giants: Inertia from Ibn Sīnā to Newton Lesson Plan (.pdf) Teaching Guide: On the Shoulders of Giants: Inertia from Ibn Sīnā to Newton Discussion Questions (.pdf) Teaching Guide: On the Shoulders of Giants: Inertia from Ibn Sīnā to Newton Discussion Question Answer Key (.pdf) Historical Enrichment Handout (.pdf) Inertia Lecture Outline (.pdf)