Students will be able to construct and analyze scientific arguments to support claims that the Universe began with a period of extreme and rapid expansion using evidence from the composition of stars and gases and the motion of galaxies in the Universe. 8.E.4A.2
Content Knowledge Support
- Read and compete interactive science workbook pages 250-253 and 272-275.
Discussion Topics
- Do you agree or disagree with many scientists concluding that the Universe is in fact getting bigger? Explain why or why not using 2 or more sources of evidence to justify your opinion. Include a link to an article, YouTube video, or an image that supports your argument and reference it in your response.
Recommended Exercises
(Level 2) Application
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(Level 4) Evaluation
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Additional Exercises & Extensions
(Level 1) Comprehension
(Level 2) Application
- Is the Universe really Expanding?? Google Form.
- Using 50-100 words explain how cosmic background radiation and red shift support the Big Bang theory and conclude with what the Big Bang theory means to you.
(Level 3) Analysis
- Research additional resources regarding the evidence scientists use to support the argument that the Universe is expanding as well as the age of the Universe using this article analysis rubric and graphic organizer TEMPLATE.
- Complete the Big Bang Theory - Hubble's Law Gizmo using this assignment TEMPLATE.
(Level 4) Evaluation
- Your teacher claims that the Universe has always remained the same size! What do YOU think?? Use this claim-evidence-reasoning TEMPLATE to guide your argument.
- Red Shift is one of the main sources of evidence in support of the Big Bang theory. Using 100-150 words explain whether or not this is enough evidence alone to claim the Universe is expanding and propose at least one other source of evidence that would be necessary to make the argument the Universe did in fact start with a big bang.
(Level 5) Creation
- Choose 1 activity from either art, music, history, writing, verbal, or visual to display your understanding of the three pieces of evidence of the Big Bang Theory using this assignment TEMPLATE.
Lab Exploration
Additional Explorations
- What kinds of advancements in space technology have help scientists gain more knowledge about the movement of galaxies and stars?
- Develop models to show how expansion results in an increase in wavelength which produces red-shift.
- Research additional resources regarding the evidence scientists use to support the argument that the universe is expanding as well as the age of the universe.
Future Learning Connections (9-12)
- Construct and analyze scientific arguments to support claims about the origin of the Universe including the red-shift of light from distant galaxies, the measured composition of stars and non-stellar gases, and the cosmic background radiation.
English Language Learners
Module Review Resources
Vocabulary Practice
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