Big Bang theory
In this activity, students gain understanding of the role the Large Hadron Collider is playing in exploring the current models for the structure of matter. It is a video clip and science article analysis activity.
Particle physicist Dr David Krofcheck of the University of Auckland is featured in the video clips where he describes the relationship between Big Bang theory and experiments being conducted at the Large Hadron Collider.
What is the Big Bang theory?
Dr David Krofcheck is a particle physicist who believes that the Big Bang is how matter came about. In this video, David explains how the universe as we know it came about – the Big Bang produced all of the hydrogen and most of the helium present in the universe. He describes the evidence that supports the Big Bang theory.
Point of interest:
The next time you produce, collect, and ‘pop’ a sample of hydrogen in the lab, realise that it was formed about 14 billion years ago in an instant of time after the Big Bang.
The science articles provide information that underpins the video clips.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
explain the main features of the Big Bang theory
discuss the role the LHC is playing in particle physics research
describe the structure of the nucleus
describe how elements are formed deep within stars.
Universal element formation
Elements are formed deep within the cores of certain types of star. Find out more in this interactive.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
student worksheet.
