Activity: A Model of an Expanding Universe

Perform the following activity.

Objective: To make a model of an expanding universe.
Procedure:

1. Prepare the following materials.

1 balloon (white or yellow)

.
2 marker pens (1 red, 1 black)
1 tape measure

2. Make a data table like the one shown below.

Data and Observations:

Distance from the Distance from the Change of Factor by which
Dots dot at the center dot at center after distance from distances change
(A) expansion (B) center (B-A) (B÷A)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
3. Ask a teammate to blow the balloon with air until it is stretched tight and hold it closed.

4. Using a tape measure, measure its diameter.

5. Draw red dots on the surface of the balloon about two centimeters apart (see the illustration above).

6. Locate a central dot and encircle it with a black marker.

7. Choose 10 dots — some far and some near the central dot. Label these dots A to J.

8. Measure the distances of dots A to 1 from the central dot. Record these distances in column 2 of your data table.

9. Have your teammate blow again your balloon. This time, measure the distance of dots A to J from the central dot.
Record the distances in column 3 of the data table.

10. Subtract the data in column 2 from the corresponding data in column 3. Record the resulting data in column 4.

11. Divide the data in column 3 by the corresponding data in column 2. Record your answer in column 5.
Questions & Problems:

1. What does blowing the balloon represent?

2. Compare the data column 2 with the data in column 4. Explain your answer.

3. Compare the set data in column 2 with the set of data in column 5. Explain your answer.

4. What conclusion can be drawn about the universe based on the activity?