Space Unit Lesson 1: Origin of the Universe

A theory that says the universe began as a small point that expanded rapidly about 13.8 billion years ago.

• Big Bang Theory

• Singularity Theory

• Galaxy Theory

Which description is considered most accurate regarding what actually happened during the Big Bang?

• Two galaxies collided causing an immense explosion as stars crashed into one another

• All of what would become the universe was concentrated in a single small point, or singularity, which rapidly expanded into what is now stars, planets, galaxies, matter, and energy.

• All matter emerged from a massive black hole at the center of the universe.

• Parts of the sun were ripped off by massive internal explosions and were thrown into space where they cooled to become other things, like plants, comets, and other galaxies.

Which of the following is NOT true about the Big Bang Theory?

• It is the scientific explanation of how life began on Earth and evolved over time.
• It is the scientific explanation for the origin of the universe.
• It states that the universe expanded from a single point and is still expanding today.
• It states that the universe used to be much hotter and smaller.

How old is the universe?

• 13.7 billion years old

• 13.7 million years old

• 13.7 trillion years old

• I don't know

How did scientists figure out the age of the universe?

• By making very detailed observations using telescopes and math

• By guessing

• By using a time machine

• I don't know

True or False: The universe has never stopped expanding since the Big Bang.

• True

• False

How is the "Big Bang" described?

• an explosion

• an expansion

• a contraction

What instrument has allowed us to look deep into space to observe things far away that give us hints to the past?

• The Hubble telescope

• The Eiffel Tower

• Binkley's barometer

• The Smith Space Balloon

Which two elements make up the early and current universe?

• helium and lithium

• helium and hydrogen

• oxygen and hydrogen

Which of these things happened first?

• stars and galaxies formed

• rapid expansion of the universe

• heavy elements formed

• our earth formed