ESCI A.S1.O1.A4 Big Bang Introduction

Describe the big bang theory and the evidence that supports this theory (e.g., cosmic background radiation, abundance of elements, distance/redshift relation for galaxies).

Explain that heavy elements found on Earth are formed in stars.

At the end of this section, you will be required to write a short essay on what the Big Bang Theory is and what evidence supports the theory. Throughout this section, there will be questions to consider and the end of each page. It is recommended that you write down your own answers to these questions as you go along. By the end your notes will basically be your essay, you just have to organize, make coherent and submit. This will show your teacher what you do and do not know. You may be required to go back and clarify or rewrite about some topics.

To understand what we mean by the "Big Bang Theory" we first need to have a good understanding of what a 'theory" is. Scientists collect measurable data. These are our observations, evidence, or facts. A theory is the best explanation of these facts. For example, a simple observation you could make is that the sky is blue during the daytime. This is a fact because it's indisputable. The theory would be the explanation as to why the sky is blue. Theories can and should change if we can collect more data or observations. If you came up with a theory for why the sky is blue you may then notice that some evenings and mornings it can be red, orange, yellow or pink. Now you have additional data and you have to change your theory to include these new observations. Thus theories can changes because the should be the best explanation of the facts.

The Big Bang Theory (BBT) is the best explanation of the data we have gathered about our universe. We are going to focus on the 3 big pieces of evidence that support this theory. Make sure you understand these pieces of evidence as you will have to explain them in your own words.

Watch both videos below. The first focuses on what a theory is and how it relates to the BBT. The second discusses some of the evidence behind the theory. Each is less than 8 minutes long.

ESCI A.S1.O1.A4 The Big Bang Theory VID Links to an external site.

ESCI A.S1.O1.A4 Neil DeGrasse Tyson On Big Bang Theory VID Links to an external site.

 

For additional (non-required) viewing, because this stuff is awesome and you want to learn more, check out the Discovery series "How the Universe Works Links to an external site.". Also, check out "Cosmos". It can be found on Netflix.

The 3 main lines of evidence you will cover are:

1. Expansion
2. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation
3. Creation of Heavy Elements

Additional Reading:

Online Textbook Links to an external site., Chapter 1, Section 4, pages 24-26