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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the first name of Galileo's daughter before she was taken into the convent?

2. Galileo was determined to prove the theories of which famous scientist?

3. What is another name for a nun's living quarters?

4. The letter was written to express condolences for the loss of ______, Galileo's sister.

5. What was the name of the youngest Galilei child.

Short Essay Questions

1. When the Galilei children were small, Galileo held two similar jobs in the math and science fields. What were the jobs and where were they? Why were the jobs unusual?

2. Discuss Galileo's first trip to Rome to meet with Urban. Also discuss Galileo's friendship with Prince Cesi.

3. Urban was highly impressed with Galileo's work. Which new work struck the Pope as being brilliant? What did Galileo write in the dedication?

4. Explain the invention of the pendulum clock and how it came about. What happened to the invention?

5. Who was announced as being the new Grand Duke of Tuscany? In what year was he installed as Grand Duke? To which famous family was the new Duke related?

6. Explain the reaction of Maria Celeste upon learning the identity of the new Pope. What was Maris Celeste's recommendation to her father? Did Galileo take Maria Celeste's advice?

7. What was the name of the Pope elected in Part 2? When was the Pope elected? What was his former identity?

8. Explain the opening letter in "Galileo's Daughter" by Dava Sobel. Who was the writer? What was the subject?

9. What was the major difference in the opportunities given to Vincenzio as opposed to those given to Maria Celeste and Arcangela?

10. Why did Galileo have to go through regular channels if the Pope approved of the work? Who was responsible for issuing the printing licenses?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There were many differences between Galileo and his son, Vincenzio. Write a 500 word essay on Vincenzio. Include his education, relationship with his family, and contributions to science.

Essay Topic 2

Write a detailed biography on the Medici family. Why was the family so powerful? What was Galileo's relationship with the Medicis? Did the relationship help or hinder Galileo's career and issues with the Pope? Also explain the effect of the Medicis in Padua and the surrounding region.

Essay Topic 3

Describe in detail the court proceedings against Galileo. Who pressed the charges? What were the charges? Was Galileo guilty? What was the punishment served on Galileo? What was the length of the sentence? What was the overall opinion of the church, the academic community, and Galileo's family? Did the punishment fit the crime?

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