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On February 17, 1600, an Italian philosopher and scientist, after refusing to recant his unorthodox theories on the universe, was burned at the stake. His ideas about an infinite universe filled with stars and planets where no one place was the center, were at the time founded on unscientific assumptions. His grasp of astronomy was tenuous at best, down right crude at worst. Everywhere he went, his eccentricities and adamant adherence to his own beliefs drove powerful patrons away. Giordano Bruno, however, remains an important hero of science, because, despite the threat of pain and death, Bruno, unlike Galileo, refused to deny his ideas. He is the father of modern cosmology.

At Princeton Latin Academy, we have honored his courage by making him the patron of our Science Fair. In preparation for the fair, students must choose a scientist, prepare a display and write a paper about their scientist. At the event, the students present their work and answer questions posed by teachers, parents and guests. Awards are given to the three best presentations with particular emphasis on a student's ability to respond to questions about his work.

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