Earth Science Projects

The Big Bang or...?

Summary:

The following activity allows students to investigate and compare different theories about the beginning of the Universe.

Project Timing:

Will vary

Materials:

• Research facilities and resources (Internet or library)

• Recording materials

Procedure:

1. Form groups of four or five students or work individually.

2. Choose and research information about one of the theories that describe the beginning of the Universe. If you are working in groups, each group should have a different theory.

3. Research the evidence that supports your theory.

4. Decide on how you want to present the case for the validity your theory to the other groups or to your instructor. Communicate your presentation plan to your instructor before you begin to get their approval. 

5. If you are working in groups, the groups can then vote on which theory was best supported and best presented. You might like to agree on the assessment criteria you could use to judge each group.

Some theories to examine:

• Steady State

• Big Bang

• Quasi-Steady State

• Cosmic Inflation

• Religious Cosmology

• Metaphysical Cosmology

Some websites to get you started:

•  American Institute of Physics: https://www.aip.org/
•  British Institute of Physics: https://www.iop.org/
•  AllAboutScience.org: https://www.big-bang-theory.com/
•  Whirlpool Galaxy M51: https://www.cbc.ca (NASA, ESA, Hubble Heritage team, Dark Matter)
• Skwirk Educational Content for Students: https://skwirk.com/

Project Submission:

Determine with your instructor how the project will be submitted for evaluation.