Introduction

To determine how old the universe is, is not as easy as to determine how old you are.

Scientists independently estimates it to be between 5 and 10 billion years old.

Your task is to evaluate the way these estimates are done and come up with the best estimate - based on your scientific judgement.

The Task

Compile a list of methods used to determine the age of the universe. Evaluate them to determine the most accurate estimate of the age of the universe.

The Process and Resources

Compile a list of methods used to determine the age of the universe.

• 3 Ways that the age of the Universe can be estimated
• How Old is the Universe?
• Age of the Universe
• Measuring Hubble's Constant: Astronomers plan X-ray measurements of galaxy clusters for a new measurement of the Hubble Constant
• TELLING TIME AND THE AGE OF THE UNIVERSE
• Is the Universe Younger than its Oldest Stars?

Rank these methods scientifically according to how accurate you think they are.

Explain your ranking method and ranking choices/decisions.

For example: compare the strengths and weaknesses (assumptions) of each method.

Consider all the current age estimates to come up with what you think is the best current answer. Explain why you consider your estimate to be as accurate as can be.

Optional activity: Give a short historic overview of how our estimates of the age of the universe improved over time.

Standards Addressed

Project 2061 Benchmarks for Science Literacy

The Physical Setting - The Universe - Grades 9 through 12

• The age of the universe

• Insist that the critical assumptions behind any line of reasoning be made explicit so that the validity of the position being taken whether one's own or that of others can be judged.
• Be aware, when considering claims, that when people try to prove a point, they may select only the data that support it (their theory of the age of the universe) and ignore any that would contradict it.
• Suggest alternative ways of explaining data (about the age of the universe) and criticize arguments in which data, explanations, or conclusions are represented as the only ones worth consideration, with no mention of other possibilities.

• No matter how well one theory (how to calculate the age of the universe) fits observations, a new theory might fit them just as well or better, or might fit a wider range of observations. In science, the testing, revising, and occasional discarding of theories, new and old, never ends. This ongoing process leads to an increasingly better understanding of how things work in the world but not to absolute truth. Evidence for the value of this approach is given by the improving ability of scientists to offer reliable explanations and make accurate predictions.

• To be convincing, an argument needs to have both true statements and valid connections among them.
• Logic requires a clear distinction among reasons: A reason may be sufficient to get a result, but perhaps is not the only way to get there; or, a reason may be necessary to get the result, but it may not be enough by itself; some reasons may be both sufficient and necessary.
• Once a person believes in a general rule (their theory of the age of the universe), he or she may be more likely to notice cases that agree with it and to ignore cases that don't.

The student is expected to research and analyze scientific empirical data on the estimated age of the universe.

California Academic Content Science Standards: Grades 9 - 12
Earth's Place in the Universe

• Students know how the red-shift from distant galaxies and the cosmic background radiation provide evidence for the "big bang" model that suggests that the universe has been expanding for 10 to 20 billion years.

Bloom's taxonomy of higher level thinking skills

Analysis

Analyze the different methods used to determine the age of the universe.

Synthesis

Combine/integrate knowledge from many methods for the best overall age estimate.

Evaluation

Rank the aging methods scientifically. Choose the best method and give reasons explaining your choice.

Webquest evaluation

This web-based activity can be assessed using any standard rubric for a scientific research report.

The optional activity can be assessed using any standard rubric for writing a historic report.

Here is a list of assessment rubrics

	Copyright Thralow, Inc, 2003.