Joseph Priestley and Isaac Newton

In this sessio we come to two of the most influential scientists in history - Sir Isaac Newton and Joseph Priestley. Both men were extremely intelligent and sought for truth, not only in science but also in religion even when their beliefs could and did make them enemies. Both Newton and Priestley were also political and spoke out against the injustices of their time.

Session 5

Famous Scientists and Their Beliefs

Information

Games

Crafts & Activities

About this Topic

Welcome to our new Philosophy and Religion Ray – Famous Scientists and Their Beliefs, which explores not only the amazing advances in science made by a few individuals, but the difficulties they had in spreading their knowledge at a time when the powerful established church (the Church of England in our country) held that their own particular translation of the Bible and their beliefs about the stars and planets could not and should not be questioned.

The scientists did not set out to attack the church, merely to search for the truth, but the ideas their discoveries led them to caused them to be seen as ‘heretics’.

Since dissenters were not allowed to hold public office or to go to university, they were sometimes forced to conceal their opinions.

How to use this resource

There are 5 Rays, which provide a programme for one year’s sessions for a children’s group running during term-time. For each Ray, there is a set of topics, each of which comprises a theme for a term or half-term.

The sessions are presented in a pick-and-mix way - some information, some games, crafts, videos, etc. You are encouraged to adapt the material to your own setting , the time you have available and the resources you have. Don’t think that you have to do everything on offer.