Big Bang Boom!Proving the Big Bang?!

Do Now• Write whether you believe the

following statements are true or false and why you think so.– A swirling polarization pattern could only

be created from gravitational waves.– Light can reveal information about the

past.– Nothing is faster than the speed of light.– Inflation of the universe was caused by

atoms fusing.

Essential Question• How can one support the Big Bang

Theory?

You will be able to:• Cite specific textual evidence to support

analysis of science text.• Determine the central ideas, trace text’s

explanation of phenomenon, accurately summarize the text.

• Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context.

• Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence.

Prepare for the Activity

• Get into your lab groups• Receive an envelope from Mr. Scheib• Walk through the worksheet titled,

“Big Bang Boom!”

Discussion Notes• Recently, gravitational waves were

discovered using BICEP 2, an advanced imaging device.

• These waves support the idea of inflation in the universe, something that has been theorized to have occurred directly after the Big Bang.

Discussion Notes (cont.)

• This finding is exciting, but is it a fact?

• Theories are often held as “true” but can only ever been proven false!

• These results are up for scrutiny and need to be replicated to assure it isn’t a fluke.

Wrap UpHow can one support the Big Bang Theory?• New evidence points towards proof of

inflation due to gravitational waves.• These waves support the theory of

the Big Bang.• While there is support, it does not

turn the theory into fact.

Exit Ticket• In order to validate the results of this

event, what must scientist do?

• Is the Big Bang Theory now the Big Bang Fact? Why or why not?