COSMIC TIMES: POSTERS, LESSONS AND TEACHER GUIDES FOR GRADES 7-12
Over the past century, our view of the universe has changed from static to expanding to accelerating. Modern-day cosmologists have identified turning points in this science story to be the confirmation of Einstein’s theory of gravity, Hubble’s evidence for an expanding universe, the detection of the microwave background, and finally the discovery of dark energy. NASA’s Cosmic Times traces these advancements to teach the nature of science using literature.

Cosmic Times is a suite of curriculum support materials and classroom activities for grades 7-12. Cosmic Times includes six posters, each resembling the front page of a newspaper from a particular time over the past century with articles describing the discoveries. Each poster is accompanied by inquiry-based lessons, which teach the science concepts behind the discoveries, the process of science, and skills for science literacy. In addition, lessons include cross-curricular activities which explore the times and social circumstances of the discoveries.

The Cosmic Times posters, lessons and teacher guide are available for electronic download from the Cosmic Times website. In addition, printed copies of the Cosmic Times posters are also now available by request from the web site. See http://cosmictimes.gsfc.nasa.gov/.