Cosmic Questions.pdf

The Cosmic Questions exhibit is divided into four thematic areas: Our Place in Space, Observing the Universe, Our Place in Time, and Great Cosmic Mysteries. The exhibit aims to invite visitors to explore the emerging portrait of the universe and understand their place in space and time. The goals of the exhibit include learning about key astronomical and scientific concepts, increasing understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry, and encountering various human perspectives on cosmic questions.

The exhibit's first area, Our Place in Space, introduces visitors to the Milky Way galaxy and the vast web of the universe. It features a large mural of the Milky Way, an interactive map, and a tactile bronze model with audio narration. The area also includes a display on the human quest to map the universe, a stereo viewer to see the universe in 3D, and a photo gallery of galaxies and galaxy clusters.

The second area, Observing the Universe, is highly interactive and allows visitors to explore the universe using tools from ground-based and space-borne observatories. The exhibit highlights the importance of light in understanding the universe and features interactive computer stations and stunning astronomical murals.

The Cosmic Questions Educator's Guide is a resource for teachers of students in grades 7-12 and includes activities to do before, during, and after visiting the exhibit. The guide provides information about the exhibit, activities to introduce and teach complex concepts, and additional resources for exploring cosmic questions. The guide is flexible and allows teachers to pick and choose the materials that are most appropriate for their class.

Key concepts covered in the exhibit and guide include the composition of the universe, the vast scales of space and time, the interplay of models, evidence, and explanation in forming our understanding of the universe, and the nature of scientific inquiry. The exhibit and guide also encourage visitors to reflect on their own ideas about the universe and the meaning and relevancy of the ongoing human search for answers to cosmic questions.