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Session 9: Catholic Scientists 🔬

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 9 of 17

Students research and present on significant Catholic scientists, exploring the harmony between faith and scientific discovery.

Session 9: Catholic Scientists

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Research a Catholic scientist in depth

  • Understand the historical relationship between Church and science

  • Create a presentation about their scientist

  • Articulate how faith and reason complement each other

Session 9: Catholic Scientists

Materials Needed

  • 💻 Research computers

  • 📋 Research guides

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🖥️ Presentation tools

Catholic Integration

Theme

Faith and Reason — "Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth." — St. John Paul II

Scripture

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." — Psalm 19:1

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you gave us minds to explore your creation. Thank you for the faithful scientists who used reason to discover your truths. Help us follow their example. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (7 minutes)

  1. Catholic Schools Week Connection:
  2. Celebrating Catholic education
  3. Faith and reason together
  4. Church & Science History:
  5. Catholic Church has supported science throughout history
  6. Pontifical Academy of Sciences (Vatican scientists!)
  7. Many discoveries made by priests, monks, nuns
  8. Famous Catholic Scientists:
  9. Fr. Georges Lemaître — Big Bang Theory
  10. Gregor Mendel — Genetics
  11. Nicolaus Copernicus — Heliocentric model
  12. Louis Pasteur — Germ theory, vaccines
  13. Sr. Mary Kenneth Keller — Computer science pioneer

Main Activity: Research & Present (30 minutes)

Part 1: Select & Research (15 minutes)

Choose a Catholic Scientist:

  • Fr. Georges Lemaître — Big Bang Theory

  • Gregor Mendel — Genetics/heredity

  • Louis Pasteur — Vaccines, germ theory

  • Bl. Nicolas Steno — Geology founder

  • Maria Gaetana Agnesi — Mathematics

  • Br. Guy Consolmagno — Vatican astronomer (living!)

  • Sr. Mary Kenneth Keller — First woman with CS PhD

  • Jérôme Lejeune — Down syndrome research

  • Galileo Galilei — Physics, astronomy (yes, remained Catholic!)

  • Roger Bacon — Scientific method pioneer (Franciscan friar)

Research Questions: 1. Who were they? (Background, dates) 2. What did they discover/contribute? 3. How did their faith influence their work? 4. What quotes show their faith-science integration? 5. Why does their work matter today?

Part 2: Create Presentation (10 minutes)

  • Choose format:
  • Poster
  • Digital slides
  • Video script
  • Infographic

Include:

  • Name, image, dates

  • Key contributions

  • Faith connection

  • Impact today

  • Notable quote

Part 3: Gallery/Presentations (5 minutes)

  • Share findings

  • Or prepare for extended presentations

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Write about your scientist
  2. Key contribution: ___
  3. Faith quote: ___
  4. Write: "Faith and science work together because..."
  5. Write: "I was surprised that..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Key Learnings — "What surprised you most?"
  2. Faith & Reason — "How do they complement each other?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "God, thank you for scientists who saw your truth in creation. Help us use our minds to discover and serve. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Researched thoroughly

  • Identified key contributions

  • Connected faith to science

  • Created quality presentation

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Pre-gathered resources

  • Partner research

  • Simplified presentation format

For Advanced Students

  • Compare multiple scientists

  • Research Vatican Observatory

  • Create timeline of Catholic science

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Share your research! Look up more Catholic scientists. Visit Vatican Observatory website. Discuss: Why do some people think faith and science conflict? How does your family see them working together?

Teacher Notes

  • See Resources/Catholic_Scientists_Heritage.md

  • Extended presentations if time allows

  • Display during Catholic Schools Week

  • Consider scientist "wax museum"

Previous: Session 8 — App Inventor
Next: Session 10 — Environmental Science