"Runaway Universe" video assignment
Keep these questions in mind and make notes to answer them while watching the video "Runaway Universe." The video should help you understand what the scientific evidence is for the existence of dark matter and dark energy. These are two of the most interesting discoveries and unanswered questions of the late 20th and early 21st century. You should also watch the video with an eye toward how scientists (in this case astronomers and physicists) go about doing science. If you would rather, write an essay about the video and use it to analyse how the scientists employed the scientific method. You need to be specific and complete.
1. What is the evidence for the existence of dark matter? dark energy?
2. What are some examples of predictions based on hypotheses? (Provide at least two.)
3. What are some examples of experiments done that were used to test hypotheses? (Provide at least two.)
4. Give an example of a failed hypothesis? What evidence contradicted the hypothesis and what hypothesis was formed to replace the failed one?
5. What is meant by the title "Runaway Universe?"
6. What did Einstein describe as "the greatest blunder" in his career?
7. Come up with your own original alternative explanation for one of the hypotheses in the video.