I learned about two inventions and two inventors. The two inventions are the Mercator Projection Map and the Backshaft. The two inventors are Mercator and Tycho Brahe. First, I learned about the Mercator Projection Map. After some refinements, the Mercator Projection became standard by the mid 1600s. By the 20th century it was a standard map in classrooms. Second, I learned about Mercator. He is known for the Mercator Projection Map and the atlas. Google Earth and similar software carry on Mercator’s legacy. Third, I learned about Tycho Brahe. He created a compromise model that preserved his biblical temptation. His Christian faith kept his work grounded in science. Lastly, I learned about the backstaff. It determines the sun’s altitude by casting a shadow as the marking line. It also helped English sailors colonize America.

I learned about two inventions and two engineers this week. The two inventions are the Heliocentric theory and the pencil. The two inventors are Nicholas Copernicus and Andreas Vesalius. First, I learned about the Heliocentric Theory. The Heliocentric Theory is the theory of Copernicus. The Heliocentric Theory revealed the structure of the solar system and helped begin space exploration. Second, I learned about Nicholas Copernicus. He believed science was possible because God sustains the universe. Without Copernicus we would not have the GPS. Third, I learned about Andreas Vesalius. He published a crucial essay on anatomy in 1543. He introduced a method of investigation to the field of anatomy. Finally, I learned about the pencil. Pencils are graphite rods encased in wood. They make durable markings. They are cheap to make and use. 

I learned about two inventions this week and they are the astrolabe and the double entry bookkeeping. I also learned about two inventors named Luca Pacioli and Leonardo da Vinci. The first invention I learned about is the astrolabe. It was a two-handed instrument used to read angles above the horizon. It was combined with ancient star charts to figure out the latitude. The second invention I learned about is the double entry bookkeeping. It’s an accounting system in which each transaction is recorded twice. It helps keep everything balanced. The first inventor I learned about is named Luca Pacioli. Luca’s most famous book is a Practical Business Handbook. One of his biggest impacts was the spread of double entry accounting. The last artist I learned is named Leonardo da Vinci. He studied light mechanics and the human body. He was also an engineer. He drew designs for inventions and was an artist. He is mostly remembered for the Mona Lisa.

I learned about four inventions this week and they are chess, the arquebus, the printing press, and the mainspring. The first invention I learned about this week is chess. Chess teaches military strategy and math skills. In the 1700s, it became seen as a tool of self improvement. The second invention I learned about this week is the arquebus. Through time, its accuracy improved very much. It led to more refined firearms and strategies. The third invention I learned about this week is the printing press. Books could now be printed faster and cheaper. It could print 3,600 pages a day. Europe printed millions of books. The last invention I learned about this week is the mainspring. It tempered steel tightly wound into a coil. The mainspring made portable clocks possible.