Other subjects include free fall and its generalization, with a brief introduction to vectors, then energy, and somewhat more briefly, centers of gravity and rocket motion. At this stage Kepler's laws are further discussed, in particular the 3rd law, relevant to the Lagrangian points L1 and L2 described at a later stage. In addition to serving as a framework, history also brings up details which help students understand and appreciate the ideas of science and the problems encountered by the pioneers. Ptolemy's epicycles seem senseless unless the student is aware of the retrograde motion of the inner and outer planets. Only then canthe student appreciate how the heliocentric theory of Copernicus, assigning longer orbital periods to more distant planets, led to a more rational explanation.
History also brings life to the study of science.
Arab mathematics, the voyage of Columbus, the story of Tycho and Kepler, the discoveries of Pike's Peak and of Mt. Everest, all these make cameo appearances. It cites relevant books, among them the science fiction of Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Arthur Clarke, Robert Forward and Larry Niven. Look it up, browse through it, and let me know of any thoughts or suggestions you may have, to help make version 2.0 even better. References Stern, David P. and Mauricio Peredo, Space Physics for Poets, The Physics Teacher, January 1997.