Learn the Science
INVESTIGATE THE EVER-EXPANDING UNIVERSE
At the dawn of the 20th century, our galaxy was the entire known
universe. Since then, telescopes have revealed billions of galaxies,
some with hundreds of billions of stars, supermassive black holes,
supernovae, and more. The latest telescopes are now unlocking even more
mysteries of space—including a force called dark energy, which is
pushing the universe apart. Explore the vast universe with your
students.
Hunting the Edge of Space: The Ever-Expanding Universe
(Video)
Follow Edwin Hubble's extraordinary contributions to understanding the
universe—from the discovery of other galaxies beyond the Milky Way
to the realization that our universe is growing before our eyes.
(Chapters 3 and 4, approx. 17 min.; Program available after broadcast)
Catalogue of the Cosmos
(Interactive Slideshow)
Learn the difference between pulsars and quasars, antimatter and dark
matter, brown dwarfs and white dwarfs, and many other extraterrestrial
wonders.
Hunt for Alien Earths
(Multimedia)
See why astronomers may be on the brink of finding Earth-like planets
beyond our solar system.
Dark Matter
(Multimedia)
Discover more about the mysterious, invisible substance that holds most
of the universe together.
Runaway Universe
(Multimedia)
Follow the history of the universe, find out what happens in a supernova
explosion, take a three-dimensional tour of 2,000 galaxies, and more.
Spin a Spiral Galaxy
(Lesson/Interactive)
Spin a galaxy on two axes to reveal how it can appear elliptical, round,
or flat in shape, depending on your vantage point, then answer
discussion questions about what you've learned.
Curriculum Connections
Galaxy, spiral galaxy, Milky Way
Standards
Grades 5-8
Standard A: Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do
scientific inquiry, Understanding about scientific inquiry
Grades 9-12
Standard A: Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do
scientific inquiry, Understanding about scientific inquiry
Standard D: Earth and Space Science: The origin and evolution
of the universe
EXTENSION ACTIVITY
The Runaway Universe
(Lesson/Viewing Idea: Before Watching #1)
Observe objects in the night and discuss which are visible (like stars
and planets) and which are not (like galaxies and supernovae).
Curriculum Connections
Night sky, visible objects, stars, planets, galaxies, supernovae,
light year, radiation
Standards
Grades 5-8
Standard A: Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do
scientific inquiry, Understanding about scientific inquiry
Standard D: Earth and Space Science: Earth in the solar
system
Grades 9-12
Standard A: Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do
scientific inquiry, Understanding about scientific inquiry
Standard D: The origin and evolution of the universe
