How was the Universe Created?
For centuries, we have been asking the most fundamental philosophical questions such as "How old is the Universe?", How did it begin?, How will it evolve? and Are there other Universes? Scientists have puzzled over these questions and are starting to grasp the story of our Universe. The Universe is unimaginably huge, consisting of at least 140 billion galaxies counted so far and our best estimates suggest that there are around 100 billion stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way, alone. Whoever can find the "right" answers to these questions will significantly contribute to the history of mankind.
So how did this unbelievable large universe begin? Are we really alone?
Core Learning Intentions
- Describe the main ideas behind the Big Bang theory.
- Identify that red shift, background microwave radiation and composition of the Universe (nebulae, clusters of galaxies, solar systems) provide evidence to support the Big Bang theory.
- Recall the components of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Identify that visible light and radio waves are used to study the Universe.
- Describe some of the problems in obtaining information about the Universe and identify possible solutions.
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SPACE - what is it?
In this visually rich, action-packed talk, Brian Greene shows how the unanswered questions of physics (starting with a big one: What caused the Big Bang?) have led to the theory that our own universe is just one of many in the "multiverse." Do you think there is more than one Universe? What do we mean about SPACE? What do you want to know about SPACE? Let's write down some questions that you have about SPACE and what it is? |
Task 1: Listen to "The Big Bang Theory" song
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Task 2: Learn about the Scientific Big Bang Theory
a) The best-supported theory of our universe's origin centers on an event known as the big bang. This theory was born of the observation that other galaxies are moving away from our own at great speed in all directions, as if they had all been propelled by an ancient explosive force. So what do scientists believe happened? Watch the video "Origins of the Universe 101" by National Geographic and complete the worksheet given to see how life came about. You cannot answer all the questions from this video and hence you will need to research some of the answers. b) Create a diagrammic timeline of the creation of the Universe using the following websites. c) Practical) The Universe is Expanding! What does this actually mean. Conduct this practical to understand what this truly means d) The Big Bang Theory is a theory but what does that mean? What is the difference between fact, hypothesis, theory and law in Science? Click on this link " Fact vs Theory vs Hypothesis vs Law..... explained" to find out the differences. |
Extension Activity:
Watch "The Birth of the Universe" and complete the worksheet given to build a deep understanding of the intricacies of the Big Bang Theory |
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Image: Nasa
These mirrors are for the James Webb Space Telescope. This will be a very powerful telescope that uses infrared vision to see back in time about 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies forming in the early Universe. It is currently under construction and due for launch into orbit around the Earth in October 2018. |
Task 2: Evidence that supports the Big Bang Theory
There are three main pieces of evidence that support the Big Bang Theory: a) Red Shift of light from Stars and Galaxies - Hubble discovered that the light from almost all galaxies was red-shifted. Conduct the experiment "An Expanding Universe" 10 Pearson Science pg 268 b) Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation - In 1965, Astronomers discovered that there was a background microwave signal that was coming from all directions in the sky. This is the radiation that was emitted billions of years ago when the Universe cooled down enough (after the Big Bang) to allow light to escape. It is an electromagnetic wave of about 1 mm in wavelength c) The Composition of the Universe - The Universe is composed of about 25% helium and 75% hydrogen. Calculations show that if the Universe started with the Big Bang then hydrogen and helium would have been formed in these proportions. This has then led to the composition of the Universe with stars and galaxies in clusters. |
Task 3: The Aboriginal Creation Story
How did the world begin? How did the first humans get here, and why are we here? Every culture in the world has it’s own answer; every culture has a creation myth. Watch the video provided to learn about the Australian Indigenous people's answers to these questions. Then recreate the story in your exercise books using images to support your response. Responses should be no longer than 1/2 A4 page. You can also explore the different stories of creation from many cultures around the world using this website "The Big Myth". There is also a free app for your ipad. |
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