Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of the activity. Please consider the following questions:
- Have you ever heard of Archimedes or his contributions to mathematics and science?
- How do you think the work of ancient scientists like Archimedes impacts our daily lives today?
- What do you know about the history of mathematics and science, and how do you think it has evolved over time?
- Can you think of any modern inventions or technologies that might have been influenced by the work of Archimedes?
- How do you think the legacy of a scientist like Archimedes can continue to inspire new generations of mathematicians and scientists?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Take a look at the featured image and consider the following questions:
- What do you see in the image?
- What do you think this activity will be about based on this image?
- How does the image relate to the life and legacy of Archimedes?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the activity, which provides an overview of Archimedes’ life and legacy.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, available at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/archimedes-the-greatest-inventor-of-the-ancient-world-documentary/. Pause the video at the following strategic points and consider the discussion questions:
- Pause at 5 minutes: What are some of the key contributions of Archimedes to mathematics and science? How do these contributions impact our understanding of the world today?
- Pause at 10 minutes: How did Archimedes’ work on the principle of buoyancy and the method of exhaustion influence the development of mathematics and science? What are some examples of how these concepts are used in modern applications?
- Pause at 15 minutes: What is the significance of Archimedes’ legacy, and how does it continue to inspire new generations of mathematicians and scientists? What can we learn from his approach to problem-solving and innovation?
Key Vocabulary:
Review the key vocabulary terms related to the activity, including:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Renaowned | Widely known and respected for something | Archimedes was a renowned mathematician and scientist in his time. |
| Treatises | Formal written works on a particular subject | Archimedes’ treatises on mathematics have survived for centuries. |
| Precursor | Something that comes before something else and leads to its development | The method of exhaustion was a precursor to integration in mathematics. |
| Buoyancy | The upward force exerted by a fluid on an object partially or fully submerged in it | Archimedes discovered the principle of buoyancy, which is crucial in understanding fluid dynamics. |
| Geometry | The branch of mathematics dealing with the properties and relationships of points, lines, and shapes | Archimedes made significant contributions to the field of geometry, including his work on the sphere and cylinder. |
| Algebra | The branch of mathematics dealing with the study of variables and their relationships | Archimedes’ work laid the foundation for later developments in algebra. |
| Trigonometry | The branch of mathematics dealing with the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles | Archimedes’ contributions to trigonometry were instrumental in the development of mathematics and science. |
| Approximated | To find a value that is close to, but not exactly, the true value | Archimedes approximated the value of pi, which was a significant achievement in his time. |
| Center of Gravity | The point where the weight of an object can be considered to be concentrated | Archimedes’ work on the center of gravity helped in understanding the principles of mechanics and physics. |
| Equilibrium | A state of balance or stability, where the forces acting on an object are equal and opposite | Archimedes studied the equilibrium of planes, which is essential in understanding the behavior of physical systems. |
| Siege | A prolonged period of time when an army surrounds a place and tries to capture it | The Romans laid siege to Syracuse, and Archimedes’ defenses played a crucial role in defending the city. |
| Turmoil | A state of great disturbance or upheaval | Archimedes lived during a time of great turmoil, with the Roman Republic expanding its control over the Mediterranean. |
| Legacy | The impact or influence that someone or something has after they are gone | Archimedes’ legacy extends far beyond his well-known discoveries, with his work continuing to influence mathematicians and scientists to this day. |
