Big History Project - Semester A
Big History is a distinctive history course because it aims to tell the history of the Universe from the Big Bang to the present, rather than concentrating on a narrower timeframe.
Courtney Runchey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(45)
Rising Star
What's included
20 live meetings
16 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will have videos to watch and articles to read for homework. Articles from the OER project class website can be accessed at multiple reading levels so students can access content at their reading level. Article length varies from a few pages up to 12 pages for a long article. Most assigned will be somewhere in-between. Videos are usually around 10 minuets in length but could be a little longer. There will also be some writing assignments. This can be a few words, phrases, or sentences for students to show understanding.Projects
1-2 throughout the classLetter Grade
Students who choose to receive a letter grade will be graded on the following. Class participation 10%, assignments 40%, final project 50%Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Over the next 10 weeks, we will explore the last 13.7 billion years to understand our place in the universe. In our first session, we will focus on the period from the Big Bang through the beginnings of life on Earth. In the Big History Project (BHP), increasing levels of complexity are known as thresholds. We will cover thresholds 1-5, which include: The Big Bang, Stars and Elements, Our Solar System and Earth, and Life. Big History is a distinctive history course because it aims to tell the history of the Universe from the Big Bang to the present, rather than concentrating on a narrower timeframe. Since Big History addresses questions about how the Universe began and humanity's place within it, it is considered a modern, scientific origin story. This class will utilize the OER Project (formerly The Big History Project) website, along with other sources, to provide additional viewpoints and perspectives on various social, political, and historical issues. The website features video content, multi-leveled texts, and activities to engage students at their level, ensuring that all students can succeed. Students who opt for graded evaluation will complete a final project. I will work individually with each student to ensure the project meets their state or reporting agency requirements. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Class Structure: - Welcome: Introduction of the concept "Big Question" - Main Topic: Video clips and articles covering major lesson concepts - Activity: Lesson-based activity to enhance understanding - Discussion: Open-ended questions - Closing: Wrap-up and Q&A
Learning Goals
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
HS-ESS1-1: Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy in the form of radiation.HS-ESS1-2: Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)20 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Welcome
Introduction and Ice Breakers
Class Expectations 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Unit 1: What is Big History?
Overview of Big History: Introduction to the concept of Big History and its interdisciplinary approach that combines insights from science, history, and other fields to understand the universe's history from the Big Bang to the present. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Big Questions
The Big Question: Discussion of the central questions that Big History seeks to answer, such as "How did the universe begin?" and "What is our place in the universe?" 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Interdisciplinary Approach
Interdisciplinary Approach: How Big History integrates knowledge from various disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of historical events. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will be using the OER Project, formally Big History Project site and materials for this class. Students will need to create a FREE account and join the class using the code provided at the first meeting.
I will also be using information from other resources including: Smithsonian Learning Labs https://learninglab.si.edu/, PBS Learning Media https://dptv.pbslearningmedia.org/ (my local station is Detroit) , TED Ed and TED Talks (links included under sources)
There will be no other site that students need to create an account for. I will share PDF's and links to videos shown in class that are not accessible through the class on OER Project site.
Supply List
We will be using the OER Project, formally Big History Project site and materials for this class. Students will need to create a FREE account and join using the class code given at first meeting.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined August, 2020
4.9
45reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
I have worked in education for over 15 years, the last 9 as a homeschool parent. My passion is helping students create a deeper understanding of complex material by examining different perspectives. The stories that are told matter, even more in today's world. Understanding another perspective and story can help us relate. I love sharing new diverse literature that is engaging and expands students' understanding. History can come alive using both novels and primary source materials in my classes. When examining history there are many factors that we will discuss including socioeconomic, religious, bias in narration and understanding who the narrator is. Critical thinking is a skill that all students will work on, while we engage in discussions about the topics covered students will be questioned to consider different perspectives and reasons for events or choices.
I started my schooling with a B.B.A. from Northwood University. After several years in the corporate climate I decided to go back to school to get a teaching degree. I attended Eastern Michigan University and finished my classes and testing required for the teaching degree. The semester I was to start student teaching one of my children became seriously ill. Once they were recovered I was starting to homeschool my children and never went back to finish the program.
While I have taught at several homeschool groups and co-ops. My experience at the high school has focused on several topics: English, History, Finance, and Engineering. One of the reasons I love teaching Big History Project is that it asks big questions that don't have an answer. The critical thinking skills developed in these classes can be carried over to other aspects of school and life.
With my History classes I use a combination of primary sources, articles, reference materials, and videos to teach students. I teach students to evaluate the bias of the author, the purpose of the piece of writing, and who's points of views are put forth. I have taught Howard Zinn's History for Young People, Big History Project, and History through film.
I have continued to attend teacher professional developments including:
Completed Teaching Big History Certification
EdCamp - EMU
NerdCamp - Parma
NaNoWriMo - Online, and local events
Others offered at EMU and MSU Reviews
Live Group Course
$25
weekly or $250 for 20 classes2x per week, 10 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-12 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Tutoring
More to Explore
PersonalityExploring Science Biology About Cells Cell DivisionDyslexia DecodingDungeons Dragons 103Musical InstrumentViolin IntermediateDiary Of Wimpy KidAfrican LanguagesWriting For Horse LoversEssential For Reluctant WriterTutoring English Grammar Reading Spelling Phonics K-6Spanish IntroIrish DancingChess For HawksComputer Building