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.

Concepts

the big bang theory, the universe, galaxies

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Additional Tags

science

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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