Quote:
Originally Posted by sil
I'd like to see physicists give their definition of "universe" before talking about it. Some talk about "everything", others talk in terms of a "region", or even an "observable region" that could be travelled to by a spaceship.
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I liked all of your post and agree with your approach to talking to and informing children.
There are two universes....the observable universe and by its definition one can correctly claim to be at its center.
However there is the "whole" universe which includes that which is beyond our observable universe sadly one can not then claim to be at the center.
I think a child could be told this way.
We can see a certain part of the universe but some stuff is so far away we can't see it even with our most powerful scopes and never will.
I talked to my daughter every day and explained things simply.
When she could barely talk she understood how the fire truck was a big tank with a pump and could point to the tank bit and the pump.
The idea is to reduce the complexity.
She did not need to know how the pump worked.
I showed her my small fire pump and she understood water in water out.
Same with a motor she understood petrol went in there burnt in there and pushed a pedal like on her bike. There burnt petrol came out here.
A bit sloppy but finally less of a mystery for her.
Unfortunately these days she knows everything but to her credit is always right.
Not is a smart rrrrs way.
But I am sure her thinking ability and expression can be traced to those early years where I took the time to explain in the simplest but truethful manner I could present.
She can name many galaxies by sight but has no interest in astronomy.
But I have heard her explain, as above, the universe to other kids and adults.
Alex