Last Name:_____________________ First Name:_______________________ Date:_____________ Per.:____ The Teachings of Islam: Unit 2, Chapter 10, Part 2 of 3 (Pages 109-112) zoology evolution theory astrolabe circumference algebra zero pharmacist 10.5- Science and Technology Muslims showed an endless curiosity about the world God had made. In fact, the Qur’an instructed them to learn more. As a result of their interest in the natural world, Muslims made many advances in science and technology. Zoology Many Muslim scholars became interested in zoology, the scientific study of animals. Some wrote books describing the structure of animal’s bodies. Others explained how to make medicine from animals. In the 800s, a scholar named al-Jahiz even presented theories1 about the evolution2 of animals. Muslims established zoos where exotic animals were displayed. Astronomy Muslim scholars are also made advancements is astronomy. They used compasses and astrolabes to locate the direction of Mecca so they knew in which direction to pray 5 times a day. Astronomers could figure out the exact time for prayer and the length of the month of Ramadan, the holy month. But, Muslims did not only study astronomy to help them with their religious duties. They also simply wanted to learn about the universe. Some questioned the current idea that the earth was the center of the universe and realized that the earth rotated, or turned. Across the Curriculum: Which area of study is more significant to you? Zoology or Astronomy? Explian:_______________________________________________________________________ 10.6- Geography and Navigation Another subject of Muslim scholars was geography. Muslim scholars divided the world into climate zones, or areas with different long term weather patterns. They also calculated the earth’s circumference3 within nine miles of its correct value. Muslims understood that the study of geography had many practical uses. One scholar in Spain produced an atlas with dozens of maps of lands in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Other books provided descriptions of trade routes and facts about lands under Muslim rule such as information on a region’s physical features and water sources. Some Muslim travelers even wrote guide books to help pilgrims get to the holy city of Mecca. To help them in their travels Muslims used a compass, an idea borrowed from the Chinese, and an astrolabe, an idea borrowed from the Greeks. These instruments helped sailors travel the oceans. Patterns: What patterns are you seeing from Muslim scholarship? Explain.___________ ________________________________________________________________________ 1 A theory is system of ideas intended to explain something. Evolution is the process by which animals and other living things develop. 3 Circumference is the distance around a circle or sphere. 2 10.7- Mathematics Muslims greatly advanced the study of mathematics. They based their work in part on ideas from India and classical Greece. Much of their work came from classical Greece. For example, Muslim scholar’s translated the works of Euclid as well as from India. They also added their own ideas. One of these scholars, Al-Khwarizmi, is best known as “the father of algebra.” The word algebra comes from one of his books. Algebra is used to solve problems with unknown numbers such as “7x + 4 = 25.” Using algebra we can figure out that x represent 3. Another translation of Al-Khwarizmi’s books helped to popularize Arabic numerals in Europe. Actually, Muslims learned this way of writing numbers, fractions and decimals from Indian scholars. Arabic numerals were easier for people to do calculations with and check their work. We still use Arabic numerals today. Muslims also spread the Indian concept of zero. In fact, the word zero comes from an Arabic word meaning “something empty.” Zero is very important in calculations. Zero has made it easier to write large numbers. For example, zero allows people to distinguish between 123 and 1,230. Details: Identify 2 Muslim contribution to mathematics today: 1) 2) 10.8- Medicine Muslims made some of their most important contributions in the field of medicine. They learned a great deal from the work of ancient Greeks, Mesopotamians, and Egyptians. Then, they improved upon their newly learned ideas. Muslim doctors established the world’s first hospitals. By the 10th century, Baghdad had at least five hospitals. Anyone who needed treatment could get it for free. There were even hospital caravans that brought medical care to people living in far-away villages. Muslim hospitals made many innovations. People with contagious disease were separated so no one else could get sick and doctors treated patients with drugs, diet, and exercise. Pharmacists made many medications. Some drugs helped take away a patient’s pain while others were used to stop infections and heal wounds. Muslim doctors also performed delicate operations. They performed amputations, took tumors out, and removed cataracts from the eye. After surgery, doctors used animal gut to stitch up the wounds. One Persian doctor, a—Razi, realized that infections were caused by bacteria. He also studied smallpox and measles. His work helped other doctors diagnose and treat these deadly diseases. Across the Curriculum: In which area do you believe Muslims made their greatest contributions? 1) science and technology, 2) geography and navigations 3) mathematics, or 4) Medicine: I believe that Muslims made their greatest contributions in the area of________________________ because __________________________________________________________________________________________ In your own words, write down the meaning of the words below: zoology:____________________________________________________________________________ evolution:___________________________________________________________________________ theory:_____________________________________________________________________________ astrolabe:___________________________________________________________________________ circumference:_______________________________________________________________________ algebra:____________________________________________________________________________ zero:_______________________________________________________________________________ pharmacist:_________________________________________________________________________