What is Dark Matter?

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is centered around the concept of dark matter, an enigmatic component of the universe that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible to current scientific instruments. It uses the analogy of dark matter being like a superhero with the power of invisibility, influencing the universe in ways that are felt but not seen, such as keeping galaxies together. It introduces gravity as a key player in dark matter’s effects and discusses its significance in the cosmic scale, particularly in relation to galaxies and their stars.

The educational goal of this worksheet is to simplify the complex topic of dark matter for a younger audience, fostering an understanding of its role in the universe without delving into the complicated physics often associated with the subject. It seeks to stimulate curiosity by comparing dark matter to something familiar yet intriguing-a cookie that can’t be seen inside a big jar of cookies. It also aims to convey the importance of dark matter in the grand scheme of the cosmos, like holding galaxies together, and to inspire awe by discussing the ongoing research and the mysteries that scientists are still trying to unravel.