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How Scientists From Around the World Helped Shape Modern Science

By: James Poskett
Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

While Europe is often credited with leading the scientific revolution, people from many cultures — including those from Africa, Asia, and the Americas — also made major discoveries that changed the world.

The article "How Scientists From Around the World Helped Shape Modern Science" from BBC's HistoryExtra explains how science in the 16th to 18th Centuries wasn't only shaped by famous Europeans like Copernicus or Newton. Thinkers from Asia, Africa, and the Americas also made important contributions.
Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
6-89-12
Subject:
Social Studies
Topic:
History
Keywords
scientific revolutionglobal sciencecultural exchangenon-European scientistshistory of science
Photo of an astronomical clock that shows time, stars, and zodiac signs all at once
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 500-700
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000–1300L
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