Cosmology
Power of Ten

Cosmology is the story of the universe. According to the Green Studies Curriculum, cosmology is “the study of the origin, processes, structure, and/or dynamics of the universe.”

For the purposes of these activities, it is the science-based story of the universe. Personal cosmologies may differ according to culture and background and providing a basis for much discussion, they are not the definitions we use.

 

Objectives

Green (Earth Literacy Goals)

  1. Students will understand the new universe story.

  2. Students will explore their personal cosmology.

  3. Students will develop understanding of how cosmology influences behavior.

  4. Students will consider how their cosmology influences their behavior.

 

ESL

  • Students will build academic vocabulary

  • Students will practice writing based on stems.

  • Students will understand the need of reflective thought to discourse

  • Students will improve note taking skills

  • Students will improve aural skills.

  • Students will practice group discussion skills.

 

Materials

  • Video, The Power of Ten.

  • Photocopies of The Cosmic Story by Robert Gilman

  • PowerPoint Presentation “The Everything Seed: A Story of Beginnings” by Joy Troyer 

 

Time

1.5 hours

 

Steps/procedures

Some general understanding of the term cosmology is necessary. So begin with the simple definition. There might be some students who wish to discuss it from a religious perspective and be prepared to focus on the science behind the ideas.

 

Activity 1

  • Show the Powers of Ten video. It is literally only ten minutes.

  • Ask the students to jot down their immediate reactions.

  • The following questions will direct the initial discussion:

  1. What was your initial reaction?

  2. What was the point of the video?

  3. Why is the power of ten central?

  4. What does this tell us about our place in the universe?

  • Show the video again and consider the following questions:

  1. What did you notice the second time that you missed before?

  2.  How did the speed of the video affect you?

  3.  What is the message in relationship cosmology?

  4.  What point is the human situated in the video?

  5.  What does the video say about the role of humans in the universe?

 

Activity 2

  • Students will write a short reaction to the video and will enter it into their journals or turn it in at the professor’s discretion.

 

Resources:

Book

Videos

 

Links

Sample narratives for the Cosmic Walk activity.