Earth Systems
Standard 1, Objective 1
Title: Theory Development: Big Bang
Brief Description: Students will use a textbook to trace the scientific development of a theory.
They will then create visuals, which represent the development of that theory.
Background Knowledge: Students need no prior knowledge. This is a good introductory activity
to the Big Bang and the nature of science.
Objective: The purpose of this project is for students to learn the major tenants of the Big Bang.
They will also learn how a theory develops and how it is influenced by technology. Students will
apply the scientific method to actual events in the development of the theory. They will do this by
researching using their books and they display their knowledge visually in a poster.
Equipment and Supplies: Textbooks, butcher paper, colored pencils and markers
Safety Issues: None
Duration: 2 class periods 50 minutes each.
Procedures for Teachers:
1. Obtain needed supplies.
2. Find the sections in your textbook which cover the nature of science (usually the first chapter) and the
sections on the development of the theory of the Big Bang and how ideas concerning the universe have
changed over time.
3. Fill in the page numbers on the student sheets.
4. Give students the student sheet and allow them to read through the activity.
5. Go through the examples with the students.
6. Allow students time to complete the assignment.
7. Have students present their posters to you.
Possible Grading Rubric:
Requirement
Points
Points
Possible Received
Main ideas stated clearly and correctly
7 valid descriptors of the nature of science
8 major developments in the theory of the Big Bang described
Developments in Big Bang science are correctly correlated to how they
relate to scientific knowledge
Conclusions are in complete sentences and represent thoughtful pertinent
ideas relative to the activity
Poster neat and colorful
Poster creative and very visual
Poster accurate
3
14
8
Total
56
8
8
5
5
5
Name:____________________________________________________________Period:_______
Title: The Nature of Science and The Big Bang
Materials: book, butcher paper, markers
Purpose: To understand what a theory is, how the Big Bang theory developed, and how this
development follows the pattern of scientific development.
Background: Science distinguishes itself from other ways of knowing and from other bodies of
knowledge through the use of measurable standards, logical arguments, and skepticism, as science
strives for explanations of the world. Scientists develop theories to explain a large range of
observations. Theories are tested by many independent scientists and allow a scientist to make
accurate predictions about new situations. The theory of the Big Bang has been developed over
time and new knowledge is often based on technological breakthroughs.
What are the main ideas stated by the Big Bang theory?



Procedures:
1. Read pages __________ in your book, describing what Science is.
2. Three examples of main ideas have been given for you in Table 1. In the remaining cells of
Table 1, summarize in your own words 7 other main ideas you found in these pages.
3. Now read pages ______________ in your book, which explains the Big Bang theory and how our
ideas of the universe have changed over time.
4. Using the timeline and information you just read, correlate something related to how the Big
Bang theory developed, with the main ideas you found in the previous reading discussing the nature
of science.
5. Finally, in partners create a poster (using butcher paper), which visually represents the
information in Table 2. Try not to use any words. Make sure that your poster is neat, creative,
colorful and accurate.
picture
Another
picture
picture
Another
picture
Research Tables:
Table 1: Descriptions of how Science Works
1. Science uses experimentation and observation to understand the natural world
2. Science is reproducible, because nature usually behaves in a predictable manner
3. As technology advances scientists are able to obtain new, and more accurate evidence
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Table 2: The Application of Science at Work
Principle of Science
Applications to the Development
of the Big Bang Theory
Science uses experimentation and observation
to understand the universe
Galileo uses careful observation of the phases of Venus’
moons, to support a sun-centered solar system model
As technology advances scientists are able to
obtain new, and more accurate evidence
Construction of the first telescope by Galileo results in
more accurate observation about the universe like the
sun-centered solar system model
Science is reproducible, because nature
usually behaves in a predictable manner
Conclusions: Please explain, in complete sentences, 4 major concepts that you learned.