The universe is probably 9-15 billion years old (the most current work puts the age at about 13 billion) and was likely formed by an event known as the Big Bang. At the time of the Big Bang, the distinction between matter and energy was very blurred. We now understand that matter and energy can be interconverted.

A vital part of the process of science is the ability to raise good questions. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has a site called "Origins" on which, not surprisingly, are the best available scientific models of the origins of the Universe. We will visit this site from time-to-time. Please go to the Origins page called "Universe", at http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/seuforum/index.html. Click on the link to "Beyond the Big Bang". Before clicking on anything else, put yourself in the position of a scientist studying the origins of the universe. What are some of the questions you would ask as you prepare to do your study? Now click on the "Questions" link. Did your questions agree with the ones raised? Why are your questions more meaningful than theirs?

Atoms are composed of subatomic particles called protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and neutrons are themselves made up of quarks.

Go to the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory Site on discoveries, at http://www.fnal.gov/pub/inquiring/physics/discoveries/top_quark_background/top95_background.html. Click on “The Standard Model of Elementary Particles and Forces.” What is the “Standard Model?” What does it describe? What are the shortfalls of the model, and what work is yet to be done to sort these types of questions out?

The planets were formed nearly five billion years ago from the accretion of matter due to the force of gravity. The matter that comprises the planets and moons of the solar system is either solid, liquid or gas, and has many different substances which have the property of density.

The journal Scientific American has an article on the search for new planets at http://www.sciam.com/explorations/052796explorations.html. The article notes that planets are not seen directly through a telescope, but are, instead, found through "indirect" means. What does this mean, and specifically, how do astronomers "know one when they see one"?

Molecules are made of two or more atoms that are held together by the sharing of electrons. Ions are electrically-charged particles, derived from atoms or molecules when they either lose or gain one or more electrons.

Broadly defined, a mineral is a compound or element not resulting from formerly living things. We say that they are "inorganic". The NSW (New South Wales) Mineral Council is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Please go to their Web site at http://www.nswmin.com.au/minerals/az-minerals.html, and find the names and common industrial uses of 10 minerals

Life was probably formed on Earth as a result of natural chemical processes. A classic series of experiments by Urey and Miller showed that some of the fundamental chemicals of life could be produced from the reaction of the chemicals that formed the primordial atmosphere.

Let's revisit the Origins program, this time at http://origins.jpl.nasa.gov/. On the right-hand side of the page, click on "The Quest to Understand Life". There you will be linked to several current articles discussing the origin of life on Earth and elsewhere. What new information do these articles add to the debate on the origin of life? And do they confirm or call into question our best models on life's origin on Earth?

People were "doing chemistry" long before scientists understood the nature of atoms, molecules and so-forth. Although the process is perhaps more formal, the notion of working with things supplied by nature to understand how nature works is as old as human history.

There are many reputable sites - museums, organizations and such - that deal with anthropology, the study of the history, social structures and culture of humankind. Find a suitable site and investigate activities of ancient humans that might be considered "experimentation" in the broad scientific sense.