Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton was one of the greatest scientists of all time. He was born in England in 1643. He figured out the laws of motion and gravity. His ideas helped people understand how the world works.

Early Life

Newton was born in Woolsthorpe, England. His father died before he was born. He was raised by his grandmother. As a student, he loved reading and building small machines.

A painted portrait of the famous scientist Isaac Newton.
A painted portrait of the famous scientist Isaac Newton. (Godfrey Kneller / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Discoveries

Newton discovered that gravity is the force that pulls things toward the ground. He also studied light and found that white light is made of many colors. He wrote a famous book called Principia that explained his laws of motion.

Fun Facts

  • The story says Newton got his idea about gravity when an apple fell on his head.
  • Newton invented a new kind of math called calculus.
  • He was also in charge of the Royal Mint, which made coins in England.

Did You Know?

Newton was very private and did not like to share his work. He sometimes waited years before telling anyone about his discoveries.