Galileo Galilei (1564 – 1642) Was Born

Galileo Galilei was an Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher who played a major role in the Scientific Revolution. His achievements include improvements to the telescope and consequent astronomical observations, the falling body theoretical experiment and support for Copernicus' heliocentric model. Stephen Hawking says, "Galileo, perhaps more than any other single person, was responsible for the birth of modern science."

Best known for supporting the heliocentric view which placed the Sun at the centre of the universe. Galileo's views were met with bitter opposition from some philosophers and clerics and as a result he was brought before the Roman Inquisition.

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Science Fair Project Information
Title: Galileo Galilei: The Falling Bodies Experiment
Subject: Physics
Grade level: Middle / High School, Grades 6-12
Academic Level: Ordinary
Project Type: Experimental
Cost: Low
Affiliation: Science Fair Projects and Experiments
Description: Dropping a coin and a paper disc to demonstrate that both objects will reach the ground at the same time. More advanced experiments, to demonstrate further the topic, include inclined plane and pendulum experiments.
Link: http://www.juliantrubin.com/bigten/galileofallingbodies.html

Mark Spitz Was Born

Mark Andrew Spitz, an American swimmer, the first athlete to win seven gold medals in a single Olympics (Munich, 1972). This achievement was surpassed only by Michael Phelps who won eight golds at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

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Science Fair Project Information
Title: Does a swim cap reduce drag and help a swimmer swim faster through the water?
Subject: Sports
Grade level: Elementary School, Grades 4-6
Academic Level: Ordinary
Project Type: Experimental
Cost: Low
Awards: 1st Place, 6th Physical Science, PCA Science Fair (2006)
Affiliation: Phillipsburg Christian Academy (PCA)
Year: 2006
Description: A wig and a swim cap are mounted on a honeydew melon (simulating the human head); drag is measured, in flowing water, by measuring how far an elastic band, attached to the melon, stretches; results compared.
Link: http://www.fellowshipch.org/pcasftyler06.html