A WebQuest Created by:
Lon L. Eilders, II
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Teachers | Credits/References
Where did everything come from? How did we get here? When did everything begin? These questions can be answered by the theories that scientists have proposed to explain the birth of the universe.
Create a presentation in your groups that explains the significant events of each time frame in the birth of the universe.
The teacher will assign each cooperative group a time frame in the birth of the universe. The time frames are:
In the Beginning
Quark Soup
Big Freeze Out
Parting Company
Galaxy Birth
Today's Universe
Use the following website to research your assigned time frame: Cosmic Mystery Tour
Decide within your groups which topics are significant.
You may have to look at the time frame before and after your time frame to make this decision.
You may have to look at a physics, astronomy, or chemistry book if some of the information is unfamiliar to your group.
Prepare a presentation for the class to introduce your time frame.
Make sure every person in the group has a role in the presentation.
You may prepare visuals (posters, PowerPoint, handouts, etc.) to use during your presentation.
Presentations should be about six to eight minutes with two minutes for questions.
Groups will be evaluated using the following rubric:
Rubric (Word Document)
Rubric (PDF Document)
Oral Presentation Rubric
|
Oral Presentation Rubric |
Possible Points |
Self-Assessment |
Teacher Assessment |
|
Provided depth in coverage of topic. |
10 |
|
|
|
Presentation was well planned and coherent. (Evidence of rehearsal) |
10 |
|
|
|
Presenters were models of thoughtfulness. Explanations to questions where given. |
10 |
|
|
|
Communication Skills (eye contact, posture, clear voice, appropriate volume, transitions between speakers smooth, and all members presented) |
10 |
|
|
|
Stayed within allotted time frame (6 to 8 minutes) |
10 |
|
|
|
Total Possible Points |
50 |
|
|
Rate each category according to the following scale: 9-10 = excellent, 7-8 = very good, 5-6 = good, 3-4 = satisfactory, 1-2 = poor, and 0 = unsatisfactory.
The field of cosmology studies the universe as a whole. While many questions, like the ones in the introduction have been answered by proposed theories, many more still need answers. Scientists will continue to explore and study our universe long beyond our life time.
Grade Band: 9-12 Earth Science
Tennessee State Standards: 9-12 Earth Science
1.1 explore the theories of the origin of the universe and its vastness.
Purpose: To encourage students to learn about the beginning of the universe through the exciting use of the Internet. To encourage the presentation of data through an oral presentation.
Preceding and Ensuing Events of Instruction: The teacher should first show the IMAX movie Cosmic Voyage (36 minutes) which is available through slingshot. This should prompt student interest in the topics covered in this WebQuest. Ordering information at www.slingshotdvd.com
The teacher will need to procure chemistry, physics, and astronomy texts for reference.
This WebQuest can prompt future interest of students in the field of cosmology.
Learning Improvements: Students will be allowed to do independent research which should lead to a move away from extrinsic rewards to greater intrinsic rewards. Learning will be reinforced when the students assemble and evaluate the research they have done.
Improvements and Expansions: This WebQuest can be expanded by introducing the hierarchic of the universe.
Smithsonian Institution and Motorola Foundation. (1996). Cosmic Voyage [DVD] Burbank, CA: Slingshot DVD Corp.
University of Illinois. (1995). Cosmic mystery tour. Retrieved June 17, 2003, from http://archive.ncsa.uiuc.edu/Cyberia/Cosmos/CosmicMysteryTour.html