Origins of the Universe Complete Science Lesson - New TEKS 8.9C

Everything you need for an engaging, ready-to-teach unit on the origin of the universe is included in this resource! Students will explore how scientists use evidence such as redshift and cosmic background radiation to support the Big Bang theory and describe the universe’s beginnings. With editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments, this multiday lesson is comprehensive while requiring minimal prep.

Through differentiated, student-led activities, your middle schoolers will stay engaged while you focus on their success.

Essential Question

• How do scientists use data as evidence of the Big Bang theory to help describe the origin of the universe?

Aligned with 2021 TEKS Standard 8.9C

Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• Differentiated materials to support a wide range of learners

• Multimodal activities to engage different learning styles

• Maximum flexibility—works digitally or in print

• Editable PowerPoints to customize for your classroom

• Spanish translations for vocabulary, passages, and interactive notebook pages

This lesson is based on the research-based 5E Instructional Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation), giving you structure and flexibility for meaningful instruction.

What’s Included

Engagement

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher guide with discussion prompts, class activities, and common misconceptions

Exploration – Student-Led Station Lab
Nine differentiated stations introduce evidence for the Big Bang in multiple ways:

Input Stations (absorb content)

• Explore It! – Hands-on demo or experiment

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension questions

• Research It! – Website-based activities with guided questions

• Watch It! – Short video with student discussion prompts

Output Stations (show understanding)

• Organize It! – Printable or digital card sorts

• Write It! – Open-ended short-answer responses

• Illustrate It! – Student-created sketches or diagrams to model evidence of the Big Bang

• Assess It! – Task cards + vocabulary-in-context activity

Bonus Station – Challenge It!
Extension activities for early finishers, such as crosswords, games, and mini-projects

Explanation

• Editable PowerPoints (standard & interactive versions)

• Interactive notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaboration

• Student-choice projects on the evidence for the Big Bang and the origin of the universe

Evaluation

• STAAR 2.0–style assessments (standard & modified versions)

• Review worksheet for homework, practice, or discussion

Flexible for Any Classroom

This lesson works seamlessly for both in-person and virtual learning. Station labs, interactive notebooks, and presentations are fully compatible with Google Slides and PowerPoint.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.