Nicolaus Copernicus

Real World Example

Nicolaus Copernicus was a Prussian astronomer who changed how people viewed the universe by proposing the heliocentric model, which stated that the planets, including Earth, revolve around the Sun. This idea was revolutionary because, at the time, most people believed in the geocentric model, where Earth was thought to be the center of the universe. Copernicus' work laid the foundation for modern astronomy and encouraged a spirit of questioning and exploration during the Renaissance, leading to further discoveries and technological advancements. Today, his model affects how we understand space, inspiring space exploration and technologies like GPS, which rely on understanding planetary movements. For example, the curiosity and critical thinking sparked by Copernicus' ideas can inspire students to explore STEM fields and question existing theories, driving innovation and progress.