We no longer use this section for the class. This approach ended with AI.
Writing prompts – chapter 1. Write 200 words on one of the following five writing prompts (just select 1). The relevant sections in the chapter are also listed for each writing prompt.
1. Describe how the following sequence of observational discoveries and theoretical developments that led to the development of the Big Bang model (Sections 1-6 and 1-7): History.
Slipher’s observations of galaxies with a spectrograph
Einstein’s development of the general theory of relativity
Hubble's observations of speed and distance of galaxies
Lemaitre’s integration of theory and observation.
2. Describe how the following events and forces led to the steady expansion of the universe (Section 1-8): Natural Science.
Quantum fluctuations, cosmic inflation, gravity, radiation energy, matter energy, dark energy.
3. From the perspective of Georges Lemaitre (a natural scientist), describe the progression of ideas that led to the discovery of the Big Bang model (Sections 1-5 and 1-6): Perspective of a Natural Scientist.
4. Describe how scientists determine the speed and direction of galaxies based on red shift and Cepheid variable stars, as well as the reason for Lemaitre's erroneous calculation of the age of the universe (Sections 1-3 and 1-5): Science
5. Discuss the likelihood that a natural cause such as a multiverse led to the steady expansion of the universe (Section 1-8 and Section 1E-1 (optional)): Metaphysics.