浙江省诸暨市草塔中学高中英语 Unit 1 Great Scientists The inventions of great scientists 素材 新人教版必修 5Zhang Heng (78-139) Born in today’s Nanyang County, Henan Province, Zhang Heng showed his talent as a writer at the age of 12. When he reached 16, he left home to pursue his studies. He spent at least ten years in literature and creative writing, and published several well-known literary works. Zhang turned to astronomy when he was about 30 years old. In the year 123, he improved the calendar and brought it in line with the seasons.As recorded in an ancient book, a strong earthquake took place in the 12th century BC. Zhang Heng carried out a series of scientific experiments. In the year 132, he invented a seismograph ( 地震仪 ), the first of its kind in the world, which was able to record earthquakes that happened hundreds of kilometers away.Zhang Heng’s invention came into being 1,700 years before that in Europe. Joseph Needham, a British scholar, has shown that China was the earliest inventor of the seismograph.Sir Isaac Newton (1643~1727)Sir Isaac Newton is best known for explaining how gravity works. Newton was born in England in 1643. As a child, he loved to make model windmills and other mechanical (机械的) toys, but he did badly in school.At the University of Cambridge, both the students and professors disliked him because he behaved rudely. He was about to quit ( 离校 ) when one of his professors recognized the genius behind his rude behavior and became Newton’s special tutor.Newton discovered the secrets of light and colour and showed how the universe is held together. He made all of those amazing discover ies within 18 months, between 1665 and 16 67, though he didn’t publish his theory on how gravity works until 1687. He also invented the reflecting telescope (反射式望远镜). Newton was knighted by Queen Anne and became Sir Isaac in 1705.True (T) or False (F):1. Zhang Heng is said to be the first person to invent the seismograph in the world.2. Newton behaved well when he studied at the University of Cambridge.
