Discovery (observation) facts for kids

A discovery is when you find something new, or something old that nobody knew about before. In science, a discovery often means seeing new things happen. It can also be finding new ways things work, or new events. Discoveries help us understand the world better. Sometimes, a discovery builds on older ideas or teamwork. Some discoveries are huge breakthroughs in knowledge or technology. When you see something new, it's often called a sighting.

How Scientific Discoveries Are Made

Before the 17th century, it was very hard to make even small scientific discoveries. Only a few amazing thinkers, like Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton, made big discoveries. Their most important work was helping to create the scientific method.

The Scientific Method Changes Everything

The scientific method is an organized way to make new discoveries. It helped scientists work in a structured way. Because of this method, science grew incredibly fast after the 17th century. Ordinary trained scientists could now make discoveries that only geniuses could make before.

From Philosophy to Experiments

Ancient Greek thinkers tried to understand the universe by just observing things and using philosophy. But starting in the 17th century, scientists began to use experiments. They used experiments to prove their discoveries. They also had to explain and defend their findings to other scientists. This was a very important part of the new scientific method.

See also

In Spanish: Descubrimiento para niños