Standard 1: Students will understand the scientific evidence that supports theories that explain how the universe and solar system developed.

Objective 1: Describe the big bang theory and evidence supporting it.
a. Determine the motion of a star relative to Earth based on a red or blue shift in the wavelength of light from the star.
b. Explain how evidence of red and blue shifts is used to determine whether the universe is expanding or contracting.
c. Describe the big bang theory and the red shift evidence that supports this theory.
d. Investigate and report how science has changed the accepted ideas regarding the nature of the universe throughout history.
e. Provide an example of how technology has helped scientists investigate the universe.

Objective 2: Relate the structure and composition of the solar system to the processes that exist in the universe.
a. Compare the elements formed in the big bang (hydrogen, helium) with elements formed through nuclear fusion in stars.
b. Relate the life cycle of stars of various masses to the relative mass of elements produced.
c. Explain the origin of the heavy elements on Earth (i.e., heavy elements were formed by fusion in ancient stars).
d. Present evidence that the process that formed Earth’s heavy elements continues in stars today.
e. Compare the life cycle of the sun to the life cycle of other stars.
f. Relate the structure of the solar system to the forces acting upon it.