Question

How did the universe form?

Observations (phenomena, data,
measurements)
1. We observed the redshift and
distance of six galaxies.
2. P & W observed thermal radiation
from an unknown source

3. Scientists observe the amounts of

the first ever simple elements (H &
He) made

Inferences (generalizations, patterns, laws)

1. All six galaxies are redshifted, and the
higher the shift, the farther away the
galaxy is.
2. The radiation is found in all directions of
the sky, and is consistently about 3 K.

Scientific Explanations (hypotheses,

models, theories)
The universe began at the Big Bang
when all of the energy and matter was
in a single point under high
temperature and pressure. Then it
started expanding out in all directions,
cooling as it goes.

3. The amounts of simple elements

observed is the same as what we
predict was made during the big bang

Claim (Your claim should answer the question.)

All of the matter and energy in the universe came about during the big bang, and has been expanding in all directions ever since.
Explanation (Link the observations, inferences, and scientific explanations to support your claim.)
Paragraph scaffolding:
1. Make your claim
2. Support your claim
-What patterns do we see in the observations?
-What do the patterns tell us about how the universe formed?
All of the matter and energy in the universe came about during the big bang, and has been expanding in all directions ever since.
Immediately after the Big Bang, there was such high temperature and pressure that helium and other light elements formed from the
fusion of hydrogen atoms. Scientists today have observed the same amounts of light elements in stars and intersteller gas as formed
during the big bang. This matter expanded out in all directions, which can be observed by the redshift of all galaxies. Thermal energy
expanded and cooled as well, and can be observed as 3 K CMBR in all directions.
Limitations and error analysis (What additional evidence would you need to make your claim stronger?)
Adapted from BSCS Middle School Science Copyright 2012 BSCS adapted from McNeill, K. L. and J. Krajcik (2008). J. Res. Sci. Teach. 45(1): 53-78 for use in the AP Biology Leadership Academy.
Anderson CW (2003) Teaching science for motivation and understanding. Retrieved https://www.msu.edu/~andya/TEScience/Assets/Files/TSMU.pdf
Permission granted for personal educational use. All other rights reserved. Presented by Wendy Johnson john3062@msu.edu

Adapted from BSCS Middle School Science Copyright 2012 BSCS adapted from McNeill, K. L. and J. Krajcik (2008). J. Res. Sci. Teach. 45(1): 53-78 for use in the AP Biology Leadership Academy.
Anderson CW (2003) Teaching science for motivation and understanding. Retrieved https://www.msu.edu/~andya/TEScience/Assets/Files/TSMU.pdf
Permission granted for personal educational use. All other rights reserved. Presented by Wendy Johnson john3062@msu.edu