Earth Science Expanding Universe Lab Activities

One theory about the origins of the universe holds that it was created in a big bang and that it continues to expand in every direction. This notion of an ever-expanding universe can be demonstrated in the classroom using easily obtainable materials like balloons, bread, or umbrellas.
  1. Expanding Balloon Model

    • Use a balloon as a model to demonstrate that the galaxies are expanding in all directions at the same rate. Blow a small amount of air into a white balloon. Using a permanent marker, add colored dots all over the balloon. Once the marker has dried, blow up the balloon fully. The dots will separate from each other at the same rate.

    Baked Bread Model

    • Bake two loaves of raisin bread after adding raisins to the batter. When the bread has been baked and has cooled, slice each loaf in half width-wise and compare the two. It can be seen readily how the raisins have moved outward in all directions in the loaves. Use this as an analogy for the expansion of galaxies in the universe.

    Open Umbrella Model

    • Open up a black umbrella and paint white dots on the inside. Keep the umbrella open while the paint dries, then close it. As students watch. open the umbrella just slightly, then have a student stand underneath it. While looking upward, he will be able to watch the "universe" expand as you open the umbrella fully.

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