Lesson Plan: P2.6.05

Hamble Lesson Observation Plan
Learning About
What is dark matter and dark energy?
Keywords:
  • Dark energy: Process causing the Universe to speed up. (1)
  • Dark mass: Some of the observations of the universe, such as the spinning rates of galaxies, cannot easily be explained using our current theories about gravity. Scientists have suggested that the matter we can see – stars, planets and galaxies – are only part of the mass of the universe. They have suggested that most of the mass is actually matter we cannot see, called dark matter. (1)
Memory Anchor:
Method Precise Learning Objective Linked Question / Activity
(Designed for maximum working out)
Stepping Stones Pitstop Check
(Thinking Map)
(Physics only) Students should be able to explain how scientists are able to use observations to arrive at theories such as the Big Bang theory (Physics only) What evidence is there for the Big Bang theory?

(Physics only) Students should be able to explain that there is still much about the universe that is not understood, for example dark mass and dark energy. (Physics only) Do we know everything about the universe? If not give examples of things we don't yet understand.

Links To the Big Ideas
ForcesParticlesEnergyCells