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The Banu Musa Brothers

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Who were the Banu Musa brothers?

Lived in 9th-century Baghdad

Three brothers:

    • Muhammad
    • Ahmad
    • al-Hasan

Scientists, mathematicians, and engineers

Wrote one of history's greatest books of inventions

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The House of Wisdom�

  • Raised in Baghdad
  • Studied at the House of Wisdom
  • Learned mathematics, astronomy, and engineering
  • Worked with scholars from many cultures

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The Book of Ingenious Devices

  • Written around 850 CE
  • Described about 100 inventions
  • Included drawings and instructions
  • One of the world's first engineering manuals

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Science That Looked Like Magic

  • Automatic fountains
  • "Moody" water jug
  • Self-filling lamps
  • Trick bottles
  • Water-powered machines

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The Science Behind the Tricks

  • Water pressure
  • Air pressure
  • Valves
  • Floats
  • Careful engineering

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Helping Knowledge Grow

  • Sponsored translators
  • Collected books
  • Studied mathematics
  • Studied astronomy
  • Shared knowledge

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Their Lasting Legacy

Helped develop engineering

Inspired later inventors

Showed Muslims valued science

Curiosity can change the world

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Final Reflection

  • The Banu Musa used science and engineering to make people's lives easier.
    • What is one problem in your school, home, or community that you would like to solve?
    • If you could invent one machine or device to help people, what would it do?

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