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

Students will know how to:

-Explain the Big Bang Theory as the leading scientific model for the origin and large-scale evolution of the universe, including its supporting evidence and limitations

-Interpret astronomical data sets including redshift measurements and Hubble’s Law to describe the expansion of the universe

-Analyze and mathematically represent the relationship between distance, velocity, and redshift in galaxies

-Explain the role of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) as strong evidence for early-universe conditions

-Use models and spectral data to analyze how electromagnetic radiation is used to study distant astronomical objects

-Describe stellar life cycles using observational data and interpret how mass determines stellar evolution outcomes

-Compare final stages of stellar evolution including white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes using evidence-based reasoning

Core Topics

-Big Bang Theory and expansion of the universe

-Hubble’s Law and redshift (data-based interpretation and proportional reasoning)

-Cosmic Microwave Background radiation as early-universe evidence

-Spectroscopy and electromagnetic radiation in astronomy

-Stellar formation and evolution (mass-dependent pathways)

-Stellar remnants and endpoints

-Scale of distance and time in the universe

NGSS Performance Expectations

HS-ESS1-1 – Construct models of the universe based on astronomical evidence including redshift and CMB

HS-ESS1-2 – Analyze data to explain stellar evolution and lifecycle patterns

HS-PS4-3 – Evaluate electromagnetic radiation as evidence for astronomical observations

Essential Questions students will be able to answer:

-What evidence supports the Big Bang, and how is that evidence measured and interpreted?

-How do scientists use redshift data to determine whether galaxies are moving toward or away from Earth?

-How does Hubble’s Law demonstrate that the universe is expanding?

-What does the cosmic microwave background reveal about the early universe?

-How does stellar mass determine a star’s life cycle and final state?

-How do astronomers use different types of electromagnetic radiation to collect data about distant objects?

-How do scientific models change when new astronomical data is discovered?

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):

-Developing and Using Models

-Analyzing and Interpreting Data

-Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

-Constructing Explanations

-Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):

-Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

-Patterns

-Energy and Matter

-Systems and System Models

Demonstration of Learning

-Unit test with data interpretation and multi-step reasoning

-Redshift and Hubble’s Law calculations using real or simulated datasets

-Modeling universe expansion using scaled representations

-Analysis of cosmic microwave background data

-CER writing using multiple sources of astronomical evidence

-Stellar lifecycle modeling using mass-based classification