Unit 4: The Universe

2016 Alabama COS Objectives

• 1. Engage in argument from evidence to compare various theories for the formation and changing nature of the universe and our solar system.

• 2. Develop and use models to illustrate the lifespan of the sun, including energy released during nuclear fusion that eventually reaches Earth through radiation.

2016 Alabama COS Objectives• 3. Evaluate and communicate scientific information

(e.g., Hertzsprung-Russell diagram) in reference to the life cycle of stars using data of both atomic emission and absorption spectra of stars to make inferences about the presence of certain elements.

• 6. Obtain and evaluate information about Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, and Einstein to communicate how their findings challenged conventional thinking and allowed for academic advancements and space exploration.

Anticipation GuideBefore the lesson begins, answer each of the following questions as true (T) of false (F) in the Before column. 1. All scientists agreed how the universe began. 2. The universe is a constant and does not change. 3. We live in the Milky Way Galaxy. 4. Our sun is the center of the universe. 5. Stars, planets, and moons are the only important things in the universe. 6. The words universe and galaxy mean the same thing. 7. The Earth has always been as it is now. 8. The Earth is the center of the Universe. 9. All planets are basically the same. 10. The earth has three layers.

After the lesson ends, update any of your answer choices that might have changed in the After column.

Essential Questions:

1. What is the universe?2. How did the universe form?3. What stuff makes up the universe? 4. How do planets form?5. Is the universe changing?6. Where does Earth and man fit into the universe?

Essential Question 1:

What is theUniverse?

The Universe is all of time and space.

The Universe is simply everything.

Essential Question 2:

How did the Universe form?

There are many theories surrounding the formation of the universe.

Some of the theories include:• The Big Bang Theory• The 4-dimensional Black hole Theory• The Steady-State Theory• The Multiverse Theory• The Oscillating/Cyclic Universe Theory• Religious Theories– Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainuism– Christianity, Judaism, and Islam

• The Chaos Theory

What do you believe?In your comp books, write a brief paragraph explaining how you believe the universe began.• It must be 4- 5 complete sentences.• Explain WHY you believe this way.• You have 5 minutes.• Leave the rest of the page blank.

*If you would like to share your belief, we will discuss them once time is up.

Essential Question 3:

What stuff makes up the Universe?

The Universe is made up of:

StarsPlanetsMoons

Asteroids and cometsNebulae

Star ClustersGalaxiesPulsarsQuasars

Black HolesDark Matter

Since recorded history, man has been looking up at the heavens wondering what it all means and where it all came from.• Aristotle- came up with the 1st documented model of the universe over 2,000 years ago,(315 BCE) using math and aSmall, simple telescope.– His model was geocentric.– Geocentric means Earth-centered.

How do we know these things exist?

• In 150 CE, Ptolemy suggested the addition of epicycles to Aristotle’s model to explain retrograde motion.– Retrograde motion is when planets appear to move backwards.

• In 1543 CE, Copernicus really shook things up be suggesting a heliocentric solar system. - Heliocentric means Sun-

centered.

Hubble Space Telescope

Radio Telescopes

SatellitesSpac

e Sh

uttle

s

Spectroscope

Today, we have much more sophisticated tools to see what’s out there.

Hale Telescope

Radio Interferometer

Group Investigation

You will be working in groups of 2-4 to investigate 1 of the 8 Formation Theories presented earlier and 1 or 2 of the items found in space.•Your group will present your finding to the class next time we get together.–Be prepared to defend your assigned theory–Explain your group’s space item and it’s purpose/role in the universe.