Featured Resource
Author
Eli
Subject
Earth Science
Difficulty
8th Grade
Standards
I am wanting to create a presentation to teach students about the history of Earth. The slides need to cover how to determine the ages of rocks, the geologic time scale, and major events in Earth's history. The following vocabulary words need to be incorporated: relative age, absolute age, law of superposition, fossil, unconformity, radioactive decay, radioactive dating, geologic time scale, era, period, invertebrate, vertebrate, amphibian, reptile, mass extinction, and mammal. Can you make sure...
This resource is a comprehensive teacher guide designed for a lesson on Earth's history and geologic time, specifically focusing on the geologic time scale and methods of rock dating. The lesson is intended to take 45-60 minutes and aligns with NGSS MS-ESS1-4 standards. It includes logistical details, a list of required materials, and step-by-step student setup instructions for collaborative group work. Students will analyze rock samples and engage in discussions about the layers that make up geological formations like the Grand Canyon, developing predictions in their science journals about which rock layers are oldest based on the principles of relative dating and the law of superposition. Key learning targets cover the identification of major geological and biological events, the method of relative and absolute dating, and the overall organization of the geologic time scale. Additionally, vocabulary related to the topic, such as relative age, absolute age, and radioactive dating, is included to enhance comprehension. The resource also features various activities, including timeline construction, group discussions, and an exit ticket challenge that encourages students to apply their understanding of rock dating methods and geologic history.