Cosmology: Understand the Development of the Universe
This class will guide learners to understand the history of the universe and how the universe works. Ideas discussed will include the Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy, the fabric of the universe, and how it all works together.
Kelly McGrath
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(849)
Popular
What's included
20 live meetings
16 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. includedCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Intermediate Level
Let's explore the history of the universe together! Cosmology is the study of the history of the universe and understanding how the universe works. From the Big Bang to modern astronomy, cosmologists want to understand how we got our current universe. In order to understand how something big works (like the universe) we need to start by understanding the small parts that make it up. We will take a look at how our modern understanding of particle physics has allowed cosmologists to develop a better understanding of how the universe works. We will build on that to see how those particles work together to create the universe we live in. Materials you learn will include: ~ The steps and proof of the Big Bang ~ Dark matter: what it is, why we can't see it ~ Dark energy and how it drives expansion ~ How all energy in the universe works together to create different reactions Each week's lesson will cover a new idea from cosmology, and learners will understand how all these ideas work together. Lessons will follow a similar structure each week: ~ Listen as I lecture about the week's topic ~ View a slideshow of key points from the lecture, including photographs and diagrams ~ Ask questions about the topic as you learn more about it ~ Write notes to remember facts about the topic ~ Discuss the week's topic with me and your fellow learners ~ Examine photographs from the James Webb Space Telescope and learn about it's mission to further cosmology ~ Optional homework assignments available to check for understanding of the week's topic
Learning Goals
Learners will understand the early history of the universe and the evidence that supports our current theory.Learners will know the modern theory of cosmology, which includes understanding the Big Bang Theory, dark matter, and dark energy.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum20 Lessons
over 20 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Cosmology
Learn about the following concepts:
~ The current model of the universe, which includes the Big Bang, dark matter, and dark energy
~ Justification for the Big Bang Theory, including cosmological redshift, the amount of helium in the universe, the cosmic microwave background, and the organization of galaxies
~ Overview of how physics worked differently in the early universe due to extreme temperatures 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Fabric of Space
Understand basic concepts of what space is made of, including:
~ There is not such thing as "empty space"
~ Understand/review basic field theory and how fields lead to particles
~ Understand/review interactions of particles from different fields 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Early Universe: Planck, GUT, and Electroweak Eras
Begin learning about the first second of the universe, including:
~ The first second of the universe is divided into many different eras
~ Temperatures, sizes, and forces involved during different eras
~ Overview of the Planck Era
~ What is the Grand Unified Theory and the GUT Era
~ The electroweak force and electroweak Era 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Inflationary Expansion
Understand why cosmology includes an early era of inflation by learning:
~ What is inflationary expansion
~ The theoretical inflaton field and how it created all the matter we see today
~ The process of a field taking energy and turning it into particles 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
I present material orally as well as visually to address different learning styles. If your learner has specific learning needs, please let me know and I can explain further how the class is or can be adapted.
Pre-Requisites
Knowledge of the Standard Model of Particle Physics and/or completion of: The Universe at the Smallest Level: Understand the Building Blocks, my introductory class about particle physics.
Supply List
Learners will need a notebook dedicated to this subject.
Joined January, 2020
4.9
849reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from St. Cloud State University
I have a bachelor degree in education from St. Cloud State University in MN. Since then I have kept updated on teaching techniques by attending yearly meetings of Education Minnesota, as well as following common education journals. I have been teaching homeschoolers ages 6-21 for 18+ years. During that time I've taught all traditional subjects and found ways to tailor them to the needs and learning styles of all learners. I have taught math, chemistry, and physics on Outschool for 4 years.
I have studied particle physics and cosmology for the past 3 years, and continue to attend lectures to broaden my base knowledge and help me teach the most up-to-date material possible in this changing field. I make sure to keep updated on the advancements made by Fermilab and Cern, two of the leading particle physics facilities in the world. Most of the lectures I attend are through Fermilab, which exposes me to some of the most up-to-date and widely accepted ideas in particle physics and cosmology.
During my time teaching I've had many learners ask about the subatomic world and what we know about it, which has helped me create strategies in teaching this content.Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $400 for 20 classes1x per week, 20 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-8 learners per class
