Lesson Plan

Modeling the Big Bang Theory

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This Modeling the Big Bang Theory lesson plan also includes:

Young astronomers learn about the Big Bang Theory and redshift through a hands-on activity in the last installment of a three-part series. Participants draw dots on balloons and then inflate them to model how galaxies moved farther apart from each other.

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Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Use the strategies for differentiation as extra credit or extension activities
Classroom Considerations
  • Experiment requires balloons and string; be sure to make these available
  • Assumes basic knowledge of Doppler effect (for understanding redshift/blueshift)
Pros
  • Simple experimental setup
  • Virginia teachers will appreciate alignment to the Virginia Standards of Learning
Cons
  • The Student/Teacher Actions section references a resources section, but this section is missing from the lesson; resource is also missing a link to a NOVA video referenced in the lesson
  • Lesson does not include a student worksheet