UNIT: Understanding Geologic Time
The Geologic Time Unit Plan includes information and pacing examples that allows students to explore the changes in Earth’s land forms and lifeforms through geologic time. Lessons, activities, and objectives are outlined and based on NC Standards for Middle School Science. [Answer keys are available upon request at sciencebythesea97ATgmailDOTcom.]
Bringing Geologic Time Down to Scale
This lesson guides students to create a geologic timeline on nine pages of paper (8.5”x11”). Students will use math skills to calculate the correct length of the timeline for each geologic period based on the scale: 2.5 centimeters represents 50 million years (5 cm = 100MY). A geologic time chart is provided to assist students in calculating the length of the timeline needed for each time period. (HINT: The total length of the timeline will be 4600 million years, or 230 cm total.) (This lesson was designed by Miriam Sutton, Science by the Sea, and is adapted for middle and high school students.)
Additional Resources:
- Calculations and Notes for the Geologic Timeline Handout (Answer Key available upon request.)
- 9 Pages of Geologic Time with Measurements
- 9 Pages of Geologic Time with Labels
- 9 Pages of Geologic Time – Landform Graphics (Sample)
Microfossils in Blake’s Nose
This activity allows students to access online data and generate graphs that illustrate distribution changes in marine microfossils preserved in ocean sediment cores. Students will retrieve data for several microfossils and generate a graph that illustrates the geologic period of time in which the organisms existed. After graphing the data, students will observe and compare their findings with the class. (Credits: Miriam Sutton, Science by the Sea, developed this activity during the Consortium for Ocean Leadersthip’s Deep Earth Academy/School of Rock, Texas A&M University, 2007.)