🎯 Learning Intention

To understand how scientists believe the universe began and how we learn about space.

Success Criteria

I can:

• Explain the Big Bang theory in simple terms

• Match scientific vocabulary to their meanings

• Connect space science to everyday life

📖 Read the Text

How Did the Universe Begin?

Scientists believe the universe started about 13.8 billion years ago with something called the Big Bang. This wasn't really an explosion - it was when all the matter and energy in the universe began expanding from a tiny point. At first, the universe was incredibly hot and dense. As it expanded and cooled down, the first stars and galaxies formed.

Scientists use powerful telescopes to study space and learn about how the universe began. They can see light from stars that travelled for millions of years to reach Earth. By studying this light, scientists can understand what happened long ago in space.

Today, the universe is still expanding. Our galaxy, called the Milky Way, contains billions of stars including our Sun. The Sun provides the energy that makes life possible on Earth.

📚 Part 1: Comprehension Questions

Our galaxy is called the ________________.

🔤 Part 2: Vocabulary Matching

Instructions: Match each word to its correct meaning by writing the letter in the box.

Meanings:

A. A group of billions of stars

B. Everything that exists in space

C. How scientists believe the universe began

D. A tool used to see far into space

✏️ Part 3: Short Answer Questions

📋 Answer Key

Part 1:

1. 13.8 billion years ago

2. When the universe began expanding from a tiny point

3. By using powerful telescopes

4. Milky Way

Part 2:

5. Big Bang - C

6. Galaxy - A

7. Telescope - D

8. Universe - B

Part 3 (Sample Answers):

9. After the Big Bang, the universe expanded and cooled down. Then the first stars and galaxies formed.

10. The Sun (a star) gives us energy for life on Earth. Without understanding space, we wouldn't understand where our energy comes from.

11. It helps us understand our place in the universe and how everything around us was formed.