Technical requirements
What are the system requirements to run the BHP website?
- A current web browser: Internet Explorer 9+, Chrome, Safari, or comparable browser
- JavaScript enabled
- PDF viewer, such as Adobe Reader
- Screen resolution of at least 1024x768
Does the site run on mobile and touch devices like smart phones, iPads, Android tablets and Surfaces?
Yes, the Big History site is optimized for mobile, tablets and other touch devices. If you are using a tablet, go landscape for the best experience.
Account management
Do I have to register to take the course?
You don't have to register to read and watch course content. If you'd like to take quizzes, track your progress, and earn badges, then free registration is required.
Where can I change my name or reset my password?
You can access account functions like name, email, country, and password on the Profile page. Get to it from the navigation bar at the top of the screen.
I forgot my password, what do I do?
On bighistoryproject.com, go to the SIGN IN page. Next to the password field, click on "Forgot?" Enter your email address and we will send you a new temporary password. After you log in, please change your password from the PROFILE page.
Course structure
How is the course organized?
The course covers 13.7 billion years of history, starting with the big bang and ending in the future. The home page shows you a timeline, divided into sections called Thresholds. You can see a brief synopsis and a video for each threshold by clicking or tapping on the timeline. Click again to open the threshold page. Each threshold page includes stories and content related to that theme.
Do I have to take the course in order?
While we recommend starting with the Intro to get context for the rest of the course, you are free to skip around to whichever topics interest you first. Each threshold tells a complete story.
How do I switch between threshold pages?
Simply click on the name/number of the threshold in the top navigation bar or follow the link to the next threshold at the bottom of each page.
Quiz and badges
Where can I find the quizzes?
The quiz section is located at the end of each threshold page. Click on the "Take the quiz" button to start the quiz for that threshold. You'll be asked a series of multiple choice questions based on the stories, images, and videos on that page. If you don't have time to complete a quiz in one sitting, you can come back later and pick up where you left off.
How do I earn badges?
Once you register for the course, you can earn badges by taking and passing quizzes. Your badge will show up on the home page of the course. Collect all 9 badges and you'll become a big historian.
How can I see which badges I have?
Badge icons appear below the timeline on the course home page. As you pass quizzes, the badges will light up. You can also see a summary of your earned badges on the Profile page.
I earned all 9 badges. How do I get my sticker?
Once you pass all of the quizzes, go to your Profile. You can complete a form with your mailing address to have a sticker sent to you. We do not store your mailing address – it's used only to send you the sticker. Stickers will arrive in 4-6 weeks.
Social media and sharing
Can I share Big History Project content items on Facebook or Twitter?
Yes! Videos and pages of the site can be shared. Click on the sharing symbol to automatically post the item to Facebook, Twitter, or share through email.
Is Big History Project on Facebook and Twitter?
Yes! Let's connect.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bighistoryproject
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bighistorypro
If you still have questions about the website, send email to techhelp@bighistoryproject.com