Modeling the Universe Workshop: An Exploration of Space and Time

In the spring of 2004, the Universe Forum, along with our Structure and Evolution of the Universe (SEU) Education partners, presented the debut of this professional development experience for teachers of grades 8 to 12. Using resources from NASA's SEU space science missions, "Modeling the Universe" has as its goals:

1. To improve participants' understanding of the current scientific model for the structure and evolution of the universe and the evidence that supports that model.
2. To use the context of space science exploration of the structure and evolution of the universe to help participants reflect on the nature of models, evidence and explanation in science.
3. To provide a pathway of resources, strategies and support for student learning of these important concepts.
4. To gather feedback on how to do better in achieving goals 1-3!

To join an ongoing discussion on furthering these goals, visit the Modeling the Universe Bulletin Board.

Opportunities

ATTENTION DC-AREA EDUCATORS! The SEU education team will present "Modeling the Universe" at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel on January 7, 2006. Download the flyer and register for this workshop here. This presentation is offered in association with the 207th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Washington, D.C..

ATTENTION SCIENCE TEACHERS! The SEU education team will present the "Modeling the Universe" short course on April 6 at the annual NSTA conference in Anaheim, CA. Advance registration is available on a first-come, first serve basis using the Anaheim Advance Registration form in the Advance Program or by registering at www.nsta.org/conferences. The deadline for advance registration is March 10, 2006.

The following portfolio of downloadable resources was put together for "Modeling the Universe":

"Modeling the Universe" Introductory Activity

Scientific Models Survey (pdf)
Modeling the Universe Activity (pdf)
Modeling the Universe Journal (pdf)

"How Big is the Universe?" Inquiry Activity

Parallax Activity*: The Universe at Your Fingertips
Parallax Activity Supplement (pdf)
Inverse Square Law of Light Activity (pdf)
Realms of the Universe Activity (pdf)
Size and Scale Glossary (pdf)
Size and Scale Presentation (ppt)
Realms of the Universe Activity Worksheet (pdf)

"How Old is the Universe?" Inquiry Activity

How Old is the Universe? Activity (pdf)
How Old is the Universe? Journal (pdf)
How Old is the Universe? Images (pdf)

"What's in the Universe?" Inquiry Activity

What's in the Universe? Activity*: The Invisible Universe
What's in the Universe? Actvitiy Supplement (pdf)
What's in the Universe? Activity Images (pdf)
What's in the Universe? Activity Worksheet (pdf)

"The Universe in Your Classroom" Discussion

Cosmological Models Presentation (ppt)
Mapping of National Standards: Origin and Evolution of the Universe (pdf)
Mapping of National Standards: Models, Evidence, and Explanation (pdf)

Bulletin Board

*Several of the activities presented in this workshop are taken from outside sources and are not reproduced on this page. Please visit these links to find out more about ordering the activity for your own classroom.

Learn more

Beyond the Solar System: Expanding the Universe in the Classroom
News articles from NASA's SEU missions (pdf, 10 Mb)
Cosmic Questions Educator Guide (pdf)
How Big is Our Universe?
WMAP Inflatable Universe
Cosmic Elements (pdf)
Life Cycles of Stars (pdf)
Black Holes (pdf)
Swift Classroom materials
Active Galactic Nuclei Guide (pdf)
Active Galactic Nuclei Booklet (pdf)

Learn more about the NASA space science missions exploring the structure and evolution of the universe here.