Galileo's Inquisition Trial Assessment - Diana Reid | Library

Instructions

**Galileo Galilei and the Roman Catholic Inquisition**

Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer and scientist who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is often called the "father of modern science" because of his groundbreaking work in astronomy and physics. Galileo made important discoveries, including the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and sunspots. He used a telescope to observe these celestial bodies, which provided strong evidence for the Copernican theory that the Earth revolves around the Sun, rather than the other way around.

However, not everyone agreed with Galileo's ideas. The Roman Catholic Church, which had significant power at the time, believed that the Earth was the center of the universe, a view based on ancient teachings. Galileo's support for the Copernican theory challenged the Church's beliefs and upset many church officials.

In 1616, the Church warned Galileo not to teach or advocate for the Copernican theory. Despite this warning, Galileo continued his work and published a book in 1632 that supported his views. As a result, he was summoned to Rome to stand trial by the Roman Catholic Inquisition, an organization that enforced church doctrine.

During the trial in 1633, Galileo was found "vehemently suspect of heresy." To avoid severe punishment, he agreed to recant, or take back, his views. He was sentenced to house arrest for the rest of his life. Despite his struggles with the Church, Galileo’s work laid the foundation for modern astronomy and paved the way for future scientists to explore the universe. His courage to seek the truth reminds us of the importance of scientific inquiry, even in the face of opposition.

1

What did the Roman Catholic Inquisition challenge?

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What was the outcome of Galileo's trial?

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Why was Galileo's work controversial?

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Match each individual to their significant contribution or belief.

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Trial		Event challenging scientific ideas in 1633
Galileo Galilei		Published works supporting heliocentric theory
Inquisition		Church court for heresy matters

1

Connect each key concept to its corresponding definition.

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Heliocentrism		Belief contrary to church doctrine
Heresy		Instrument Galileo improved for astronomy
Telescope		Theory sun is at the center

1

Match the consequences with their corresponding events.

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Condemnation		Church declared Galileo's ideas false
House arrest		Punishment for Galileo's beliefs
Scientific Revolution		Period of changing scientific thought

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Match the historical figures with their viewpoints.

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Pope Urban VIII		Initially supported, later opposed Galileo
Galileo's supporters		Believed in observational science and reason
Ptolemy		Supported geocentric theory

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Match Galileo with his contributions and challenges.

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Invented the telescope		Improved scientific observations
Heliocentric theory of the solar system		Challenged church beliefs
Published 'Dialogue Concerning Two World Systems'		Faced censorship and trial

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Match the Roman Catholic Inquisition with its roles and actions.

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Punished dissenters and nonconformists		Enforced strict religious adherence
Investigated heresy and false beliefs		Held trials for accused individuals
Disposed of controversial ideas		Tried to maintain church authority

1

Match key terms related to Galileo's trial with their definitions.

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Heresy		Religious court for heresy cases
Inquisition		Agreement for lesser punishment in trial
Plea deal		Belief contradicting established religious doctrine

1

Match Galileo's views with the consequences he faced.

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Support for Copernican theory		Condemned by the church
Defiance against church authorities		Imprisoned and silenced
Advancements in physics		Limited scientific exploration