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Universe: The Origin and Evolution of the Universe
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Details

Type of Product:Science Object
Average Rating:
 based on 2 reviews
Publication Title:Universe
Publication Date:11/1/2006
Grade Level:Elementary School, Middle School, High School


Description

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the fifth of five Science Objects in the Universe SciPack. It provides understanding of how the universe formed, how it has changed over time, and how it continues to change today. The ‘big bang’ theory of universe formation is supported by recent observations of the motion of galaxies, as well as observations of the energy left over from the formation of the universe. This evidence suggests that the origin of the universe occurred approximately 13.6 billion years ago, during a point in time when the state of the universe was much hotter and more dense. The fact that light seen from almost all distant galaxies has longer wavelengths than comparable light here on earth provides evidence that the whole universe has been expanding ever since the big bang (and continues to expand today).


Ideas For Use

Science Objects are two hour learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers can access any topic “on demand” from the Internet. Topics are based on the science literacy goals in the national standards (NSES, Science for All Americans, Benchmarks, and the Atlas of Scientific Literacy) and tied to state standards.

Each Science Object provides an understanding of the science content by providing a structured set of learning experiences through simulations and practice assessments. Science Objects challenge teachers to explore and explain real world phenomena and are founded on the principle that learners must be challenged with a problem, observation, data, etc., in order to develop scientific understanding. Science Objects utilize the five phases of inquiry-based learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.

Learning Outcomes:

Universe: The Origin and Evolution of the Universe

  • Provide a basic description of the conditions at the beginning of the universe.
  • Give the approximate age of the universe.
  • Recognize the scientific account of the current state of the universe given different explanations.
  • Explain the evidence for an expanding universe.
  • Describe, in simple terms, how scientists use observations of position and motion to learn about objects in the universe.

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)
Universe origin
Space exploration
Electromagnetic radiation
Intended User Role:Elementary-Level Educator, High-School Educator, Middle-Level Educator, Teacher
Educational Issues:Inquiry learning, Learning theory, Professional development, Teacher content knowledge

Technical

Resource Format:application/x-shockwave-flash, audio/mp3, image/gif, image/jpeg, text/html, video/quicktime
Installation Remarks:Run the Science Objects System Check to ensure that your system is capable of viewing the simulations: http://ecommerce2.nsta.org/system_check/
Requirements:Requires Macromedia Flash Player and Apple Quicktime Player


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National Standards Correlation

This resource has 7 correlations with the National Standards.  
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This resource has 7 correlations with the National Standards.  
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  • Physical Science
    • Light, heat, electricity, and magnetism
      • Electricity in circuits can produce light, heat, sound, and magnetic effects. (K-4)
  • Earth Science
    • Origin and evolution of the earth system
      • The sun, the earth, and the rest of the solar system formed from a nebular cloud of dust and gas 4.6 billion years ago. (9-12)
    • Origin and evolution of the universe
      • The origin of the universe remains one of the greatest questions in science. (9-12)
      • The "big bang" theory places the origin between 10 and 20 billion years ago, when the universe began in a hot dense state; according to this theory, the universe has been expanding ever since. (9-12)
  • Process Standards for Professional Development
    • Research-Based
      • Address teachers' needs as learners and build on their current knowledge of science content, teaching, and learning. (NSES)
    • Design
      • Introduce teachers to scientific literature, media, and technological resources that expand their science knowledge and their ability to access further knowledge. (NSES)
    • Learning
      • Build on the teacher's current science understanding, ability, and attitudes. (NSES)


Customer Reviews
Better Understanding of Wavelength and Spectrum
  Reviewed by: Deborah Andrews on May 2, 2013
  After completing this resource I have a thorough understanding of how wavelengths and spectrum fit together. I was confused about these areas as I have not done any reading in quite some time about the universe. This interactive resource has clarified everything for me. Thanks NSTA.

In the beginning....
  Reviewed by: Lorrie Armfield (Laurel, MD) on December 28, 2011
  Beyond the Milky Way, there lies a plethora of galaxies; these continue to move apart as the universe continues to expand. This resource takes us on a journey that began about 13.7 billion years ago as we learn of the conditions present at the beginning of the universe. We conclude our adventure with the current evolutionary state of the universe. Excellent resource.

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