You’ll need Google Earth again. Now we want to make a linear time scale from the big bang up to today on the Stanford campus. Choose “Now” as the center of the quad (Lat, Long: 37o25′38.93” N , 122o10′12.90” W) and the big bang is chosen to be at the gates on Palm drive ( 37o26′28.06” N, 122o9′56.48” W). If you don’t know where those are, the latitude and longitude coordinates are given for each (you can just copy and paste the two numbers above into GE and it should take you to the locations). Pictures may be placed on Canvas to help find them. See the table below for the events to place on the timeline. See the additional document for images of the location of the time line and some discussion of these events (it is 8 MB so give it time to download!). Use placemarks to locate along a straight line between the Big Bang and Now the following events and periods in the history of the universe. For fun, calculate the location of your birthdate on this timeline, how far from Now! would it appear. You do not need to put a placemarker there as it would be too close to Now! to see

Science

• The student will learn about the concept of a linear time scale in relation to the history of the universe, as well as the concept of the big bang and the formation of the universe.
• They will gain an understanding of how to use latitude and longitude coordinates to locate specific points on Earth using Google Earth, connecting this knowledge to the physical geography of the Stanford campus.
• They will explore the concept of scale and proportions in creating a timeline, as well as the concept of relative distances and time intervals in relation to significant events in the universe's history.
• The activity provides an opportunity for the student to make connections between astronomical events and the physical world, fostering a deeper understanding of the Earth's position in the universe.

For continued development, students can expand their understanding of the history of the universe by exploring additional events and periods not included in the activity, and creating a more detailed and comprehensive timeline. They can also research the impact of these events on Earth's formation and development, and discuss the implications for life on our planet.

Book Recommendations

• Big Bang: The Origin of the Universe by Simon Singh: This book provides an accessible and engaging exploration of the origins of the universe, including the concept of the big bang and its implications.
• How to Build a Time Machine by Paul Charles Davies: A fascinating read that delves into the concept of time and the history of the universe, exploring theories about time travel and the nature of reality.
• The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen: This educational children's book takes readers on a journey through the solar system, providing an engaging introduction to astronomical concepts and the history of the universe.