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Understanding Geologic Time

Grade Level(s):

  • 3-5
  • 6-8
  • 9-12

Source:

  • UC Museum of Paleontology

Resource type:

  • Online activity or lab

Time: One class period.

Overview

A web-based module in which students gain a basic understanding of geologic time, the evidence for events in Earth's history, relative and absolute dating techniques, and the significance of the Geologic Time Scale.

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simple stratigraphic layers
  • [History of life: Grades 3-5] Life has been on Earth for billions of years.
  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 3-5] Fossils provide evidence of past life. (LS4.A)
  • [Evidence of evolution: Grades 6-8] Fossils provide evidence of past life. (LS4.A)
  • [Nature of science: Grades 3-5] Scientists base their ideas on evidence from the natural world. (P3, P6, P7, NOS8)
  • [Studying evolution: Grades 3-5] Scientists study fossils and how and when they were formed. (LS4.A)
  • [Studying evolution: Grades 3-5] Scientists study rocks and how and when they were formed.
  • Disciplinary Core Idea LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity
  • NOS Matrix understanding category 8. Science addresses questions about the natural and material world.
  • Science and Engineering Practice 3. Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Science and Engineering Practice 6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions
  • Science and Engineering Practice 7. Engaging in argument from evidence

Appropriate for 5th grade with some teacher guidance.