Physics of the Universe · Week 32 · Stars and the Origin of the Universe
Evidence for the Big Bang
Constructing an explanation from redshift and background radiation evidence and staying humble about the limits of what we know.
- Students will
- Students construct an explanation using redshift and background radiation evidence that the universe began hot and dense and has been expanding.
- SEL skill
- Stay humble about what is not yet known and decide with the best evidence
- What it looks like
- Students practice using emotions to think by noticing the discomfort of uncertainty and staying humble about what is not yet known.
- Content focus
- Evidence for the Big Bang and the limits of knowing
- Format
- Collaborative analysis
Responsible decision-making
Responsible decision-making means making caring, constructive choices by thinking about ethics, safety, and consequences. More responsible decision-making activities
What you get
A teacher guide with what to say, step by step, plus student pages and a supports page for students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. Print or Project it, or assign it in Google Forms and Google Docs for Google Classroom. Your first 10 activities are free.
Standards
- HS-ESS1-2: High School Earth and Space Science performance expectation
- Science and engineering practice: SEP6 Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Crosscutting concept: CCC5 Energy and matter
- Literacy in science: RST.11-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
- Traditional course: Physics
Fits these textbook chapters
- Physics Techbook, Concept 6.1: Understanding the Universe
- Physics Techbook, Concept 6.2: Stars and Galaxies
- California HMH Science Dimensions: Physics in the Universe, Unit 8: Stars and the Universe
Textbook names are used only to help you find activities that fit what you teach. RoseThread Connect is not affiliated with these publishers.
More responsible decision-making activities for Physics of the Universe
- Seatbelts and Choices Responsible decision-makingArguing from crash data about safety features and examining how peer pressure affects risky choices.
- Materials by Design Responsible decision-makingEvaluating claims about engineered materials and practicing honest reporting of a source's limits.
- Solar in the Desert Responsible decision-makingEvaluating cost and benefit evidence for desert solar farms and weighing habitat loss against clean energy.
- Dating the Earth Responsible decision-makingAnalyzing half life data to date rocks and meteorites while checking our reasoning for bias.
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RoseThread Connect activities are drafted with the help of AI and shaped by educators. Students never have to share anything personal. Our five SEL skills are informed by CASEL's SEL Framework; RoseThread Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by CASEL.