Unit 2: The Big Bang (Origin of the Universe)

Students will know how to:
-Explain the Big Bang Theory as the leading model for the origin of the universe.
-Describe the astronomical evidence that supports the Big Bang, including Hubble’s Law and the cosmic microwave background (CMB).
-Interpret redshift data to explain the expansion of the universe.
-Use observational data and models to explain the life cycle of stars from formation to end stages.
-Analyze evidence to explain how stars produce energy and evolve over time.
-Explain how electromagnetic radiation is used as evidence to support models of the universe.
-Describe how the cosmic microwave background provides evidence for early conditions of the universe.
-Use scientific data to support explanations about the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe.

Core Topics:
-The Big Bang Theory as the origin of the universe.
-Astronomical evidence supporting the Big Bang:
Hubble’s Law (redshift and expansion of the universe)
Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation
-Stellar evolution from birth to death
-Electromagnetic radiation as evidence for models of the universe
-Using observational data to explain the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe

NGSS Performance Expectations:

HS-ESS1-1 – Big Bang supported by astronomical evidence such as Hubble’s Law and CMB

HS-ESS1-2 – Use data to explain stellar evolution (Birth to Death of Universe)

HS-PS4-3 – Electromagnetic radiation evidence models (CMB)

Essential Questions students will be able to answer:
-What evidence supports the Big Bang Theory as the origin of the universe?
-How does Hubble’s Law provide evidence that the universe is expanding?
-How does the cosmic microwave background support current models of the universe?
-How do stars form, evolve, and eventually die?
-How can scientists use data and models to explain processes that occur over extremely large time and distance scales?
-Why is electromagnetic radiation essential for understanding the structure and history of the universe?
-How does scientific evidence strengthen or revise models of the universe over time?

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):
• Developing and Using Models
• Constructing Explanations

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
• Scale
• Patterns
• Energy and Matter

Demonstration of Learning / Suggested Activities:
-Unit Test
-Quizzes
-Analyze Hubble data and redshift simulations to interpret the expansion of the universe
-Model the expansion of the universe using balloons or mapping exercises
-Construct explanations using evidence from electromagnetic radiation and the cosmic microwave background
-Use models to explain the life cycle of stars from formation to death