Write a 4-6 page (12 pt font, double spaced, 1 inch margins) historical research
paper describing how Newton contributed to the development of
astronomy. The following are good questions to ask and investigate.
i. What original research did the individual pursue? What major
experiments did the individual perform? What were the conclusions of
those experiments?
ii. What was the historical background in which the individual operated?
(e.g. What period of time? What physics and astronomy was known at
that time?) What consequences did this have for their work?
iii. What was the background of the individual? An aristocrat? A scientist? A
philosopher?
c. Be specific. Statements like “Newton contributed to the field of mechanics”
although true are widely known and essentially meaningless.
d. The paper should be researched with published materials and properly cited.
Sources should be refereed journal articles, books, published news articles, etc.
Wikipedia is not a valid source nor are any sources that are web-only (properly
published articles found on the web are fine as long as they are from a reputable
publication). You may not use our textbook as a source. You should use at least 3
separate sources.
e. I will not read any more than 6 pages in a given paper (not counting source list).
Be concise, succinct, and to-the point in your wording. This should be more than
enough space to concisely summarize the individual’s importance in the
historical context.
