Introducing Big History -- Combining History of the Universe With World History

The story of human beings and their societies is a fraction of the story of life on Earth and of planet Earth itself. The story of our solar system is part of the larger story of our galaxy and of the universe. How is it possible for human beings to expand our understanding of history to include planet Earth and the universe? When we take a more inclusive view of history, how does our understanding of world history and the history of our country and modern society change?

This introduction to Big History is the first in a series of courses on aspects of this new field of historical study -- taught by someoine who has written about Big History and given presentations at Big History international conferences. 

This course will challenge young students by examining the following questions. (1) How did telling stories about the past grow into documenting and dating events in the human past? (2) How is it possible to figure out the age of old human bones, of the Earth, and of the universe? (3) How did the universe begin and how did that lead to our planet and human life? (4) What are the most important events in the history of our universe? (5) According to Big History, what are the most important challenges facing humanity today?

These questions will be answered at an introductory level and should build interest in learning more about the combination of science with history. More in-depth information on aspects of Big History will be found in related courses by this teacher.

Picture credit: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/potw2142a.jpg 

Resources: Graphics and information from the following Internet sites will be provided as links in a slide show: (1) https://wmap.gsfc.nasa.gov/media/060915/index.html; (2) https://earthhow.com/history-of-the-universe/; (3) https://www.nasa.gov/content/discoveries-why-a-space-telescope; (4) https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/showing-their-age-62874/; and (5) https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01499-y