Earth’s Geologic History
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)