Isaac Newton was one of the most important scientists in the 17th Century. He was a British scientist in the field of mathematics, physics and astronomy .
  Early life
Newton was born in England in 1643, where he grew up on a farm. His father died before his birth and his mother remarried when he was only three. So his grandparents took care of him. When he was twelve, his mother pulled him out of school and asked him to work as a farmer. He refused and focused on his studies.
  Achievements
When Newton was 18, he studied at Cambridge University and became a professor of mathematics. In 1665, the Great Plague, which was a terrible disease and epidemic, spread in England, and Cambridge University had to close down. Newton left Cambridge and spent two years studying and doing experiments at his home. One day, when he was drinking a cup of tea in the garden, he saw an apple fall from a tree. He carried on with the studies and formed the theory of gravity. Newton was also curious about light. He discovered that white light is made up of colours of the rainbow. In 1668, he invented the reflecting telescope, which used mirrors to reflect light and form an image.
In 1684, he invented a new type of mathematics which he called "fluxions". Today we call this maths "calculus" and it is an important type of maths used in advanced engineering and science. In 1687, Newton published a book called "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy", in which he described the three laws of motion and the law of universal gravity.
In 1696, he became the warden of the Royal Mint. He took the duty seriously and tried to get rid of corruption in order to reform the currency of England.
  Final years
Newton became rich and famous because of his discoveries. However, he did not get married or make many friends. He died in 1727 and was remembered as one of the greatest scientists.

Suggested answers

Job:

a scientist

Date and Place of birth:

Born in 1643 in England

Family and education:
  • He grew up on a farm.
  • His father died before his birth and his mother remarried.
  • His grandparents took care of him.
  • When he was twelve, his mother wanted him to work as a farmer, but he refused.
  • When he was eighteen, he studied at Cambridge University.

Achievements as a scientist

in 1665 during the Great Plague:
  • He formed the theory of gravity.
  • He discovered that light is made up of colours of the rainbow.
in 1668:

He invented the reflecting telescope.

in 1684:
  • He invented a new type of mathematics called fluxion.
  • Today, people call it calculus.
  • He also invented the three laws of motion and the law of universal gravity.

Achievements as the warden of the Royal Mint

  • He fought against corruption.
  • He reformed the currency of England.
Final years:

Although he was rich and famous, he did not get married or have many friends. He died in 1727.

Suggested answers

Suggested answers

Which of the following about Newton’s early life is true?
Newton studied hard.
When did Newton study at the University of Cambridge?
in 1661
What happened in the period of the Great Plague?
He formed the theory of gravity.
What is "calculus"?
All of the above

Part A

Complete the graphic organiser which summarises the life and achievements of Isaac Newton.

Name: Isaac Newton

Job:

a     

Date and Place of birth:

Born in 1643 in     

Family and education:
  • He grew up on a .     
  • His father died before his birth and his mother .     
  • His took care of him.     
  • When he was twelve, his mother wanted him to work as a , but he refused.     
  • When he was eighteen, he studied at University.     

Achievements as a scientist

in 1665 during the Great Plague:
  • He formed the theory of .     
  • He discovered that light is made up of colours of the .     
in 1668:

He invented the reflecting .     

in 1684:
  • He invented a new type of called fluxion.     
  • Today, people call it .     
  • He also invented the three laws of and the law of .     

Achievements as the warden of the Royal Mint

  • He fought against corruption.
  • He reformed the of England.     
Final years:

Although he was rich and      , he did not get married or have many friends. He died in .