The Universe

Teacher Notes

NOTE: These are the teacher notes for the new version of the Universe project. The older version is still available.

This project introduces students to the idea of the "universe" - the totality of all stars and galaxies - then takes them through the evidence that the universe is expanding. The discovery of the expanding universe was one of the greatest revelations of 20th Century astronomy. Students will make a "Hubble diagram," named for the astronomer who first made one, for galaxies from the SkyServer database.

The links below give more information about the project.

• Overview gives a description of the project, its target audience, and the concepts it teaches

• Background gives scientific background about the project, including references, to help you answer student questions

• Lesson Plan gives all the information you will need to teach this project in your classroom

• Teaching Tips gives specific advice on how to use each stage of the project

• Assessment gives ideas for evaluating student work

• Standards links this project to national science, math, and technology standards.