Famous Scientists - Sir Isaac Newton

 

Science: Physical Science

• Grade: 3

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the earth. There is a story that Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity one day when he was sitting under a tree. An apple fell from the tree and hit Newton on the head. He realized gravity was the force that kept us on the ground. He also discovered it kept the moon close to the earth. The story of the apple is probably not true. However, it is a good example of how gravity affects things.

Newton was a genius. Unfortunately, people of his time were not ready for his ideas. They were critical of his discoveries. Newton was afraid to publish his findings. They sat on his shelf for over twenty years. Finally, in 1687, his first book was published. Today, it is considered one of the greatest works in the history of science.

 

genius 

synonyms:

• talent 
• master 
• ace 

critical 

synonyms:

• strict 
• severe 
• harsh 

discover 

synonyms:

• find 
• detect 
• spot 

Comprehension Questions

1.

According to the text, what does a story say that Sir Isaac Newton discovered one day? 

1. the moon 
2. apples 
3. gravity 
4. the earth 

2.

What does the author describe in the text? 

1. how gravity works on the moon 
2. where Newton's apple tree could be found 
3. why the history of science is important today 
4. why Newton took a long time to publish his findings 

3.

Read these sentences from the text.

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the earth. There is a story that Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity one day when he was sitting under a tree. An apple fell from the tree and hit Newton on the head. He realized gravity was the force that kept us on the ground. He also discovered it kept the moon close to the earth. The story of the apple is probably not true. However, it is a good example of how gravity affects things.

What can you conclude based on this information?

1. Gravity has always existed, but Newton was the first person to recognize it. 
2. Apples are the only food that are affected by gravity. 
3. The moon is the reason that gravity exists on the earth. 
4. Newton would never have discovered gravity if the apple hadn’t hit him. 

4.

Based on the text, what is likely true about Newton’s ideas? 

1. Newton's ideas likely were very popular while he was alive. 
2. Newton's ideas likely are believed more today than when he was alive 
3. Newton's ideas likely have been proven wrong by today’s scientists. 
4. Newton's ideas likely are all made up stories. 

5.

What is the text mainly about? 

1. how different scientists think of gravity 
2. Sir Isaac Newton and his discovery of gravity 
3. myths that people tell about scientific discoveries 
4. Sir Isaac Newton’s fame and riches during his life 

6.

Read these sentences from the text.

An apple fell from the tree and hit Newton on the head. He realized gravity was the force that kept us on the ground.

As used in the sentences, what does the word "realized" mean?

1. became bruised 
2. listened carefully to something 
3. completely forgot something 
4. started to think something is true 

7.

Choose the answer that best completes the sentence.

People of Newton's time were critical of his discoveries, ________ Newton was afraid to publish his findings.

1. despite 
2. so 
3. because 
4. even though 

8.

Describe two things that gravity does, according to the text. 

(written answer)

9.

Based on the text, why is Newton’s work considered one of the greatest works in the history of science even though people of his time had problems with his ideas? Use evidence from the text to support your answer. 

(written answer)