Activity Title - The Big What?

Goal/Objective

To evaluate theories and make judgments.

Lesson Outline/Introduction

There are many theories about how the earth came to exist. Some theories are based on scientific facts, others are based on religious beliefs, and still others are based on folklore. Most of the time, it is only when our beliefs are challenged that we pay any attention to other theories.

Activity

Using the handout as an introduction to the origin of the earth, discuss with the students the many beliefs of the origin of the earth. Have the students identify the known facts and some unknown facts about the origin of the earth. When the students discuss their opinions, have them use known facts to support their opinions. Make a table of "facts" and "opinions" on chart paper. The students will categorize what they think as either fact or opinion.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Then discuss the fact that people everywhere have a belief about the origin and how their beliefs may affect the way they react in many situations.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

• Handout - The Big Bang
• Chart paper, markers, highlighters
• Newspaper, News magazines

Extension Activity

Have the students research the Big Bang Theory by using search engines such as ask-jeeves.com, AOL, Yahoo, and Excite. Students should use the information gathered to create a graphic, in the form of a picture, to present to the class.

ESE Accommodations

• Use cooperative learning strategies.
• Highlight the main ideas in the reading.
• Summarize information on the Big Bang Theory.

Real-Life Connection

Students could look in the newspaper and news magazines for any articles relating to the Big Bang Theory.

Activity Title - The Big What?

Introduction

Ask: Has anyone ever wondered about how the earth got here?

The students' discussion may include that many people believe a divine individual created the earth whereas other believe one of the scientific theories created the earth.

Main Activity

Ask: How do you think the earth got here?

The discussion should be geared to the theories surrounding the creation of the earth. Answers may include different ideas that the students have but the two most popular ideas are the Big Bang and creation.

Ask: What do you already know about these theories?

List known facts on chalkboard or chart paper. Have students break up into two groups. These two groups will debate the merits of each the two theories base of the information the group knows about the theories. Students will identify the difference between facts and opinions. Is everything we believe to be true based on fact? Or do our opinions change how we view things? When we read articles in the newspaper there are often facts and opinions.

Closure/Conclusion

Ask: Is everything in science based on fact? Is everything we believe to be true based on fact? Do our opinions sometimes change how we view things? When we read articles in the newspaper or other sources there are often both facts and opinions stated. When reading information it is an important skill to always distinguish between the facts that are stated and the opinions of the writer.

Follow-up lessons/Activities

Many theories that we now accept as fact began as an idea. Have students write their own interpretation of how the Big bang Theory has influenced our desire to explore outer space for more answers.