The Scientific Revolution

The timeline of the Scientific Revolution of the early modern period is marked by examples of thunderous innovation and technological advance. In this collection of resources you’ll meet the giants of the period, from Copernicus to Newton, and discover how their breakthroughs contributed to the Age of Enlightenment in Western Europe.

Cookie Policy

Our website uses cookies to understand content and feature usage to drive site improvements over time. To learn more, review our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Featured Materials

The Scientific Revolution
Folio from an c. 18th century astronomical manuscript illustrating the relative positions of the sun, the moon, Jupiter and Venus
1200 to Present
Article

The Scientific Revolution External link

The Scientific Revolution does indeed include everything from Copernicus to Newton. But the story also extends beyond Europe and the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Debate: Has the Scientific Revolution Ended?
Big History Project
Activity

Debate: Has the Scientific Revolution Ended? External link

Do you think the Scientific Revolution is alive or dead? Pick a side, develop your argument, and debate your classmates in this activity.
Scientific Revolution and the Age of the Enlightenment
Portrait of Sir Isaac Newton
Origins to Present
Video

Scientific Revolution and the Age of the Enlightenment External link

The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment changed the way we think—not just about the natural world but about rights, government, and industry.
Was There Science Before the Scientific Revolution?
Big History Project
Activity

Was There Science Before the Scientific Revolution? External link

Surely there was science before the Scientific Revolution! Learn about scientific discoveries made prior to the seventeenth century from across Afro-Eurasia.

More topics