Understanding Geologic Time

The activity described is a three part activity to help students to understand the geologic time scale. The first part of the activity is a warm-up in which students try to determine how lo... See More

The activity described is a three part activity to help students to understand the geologic time scale. The first part of the activity is a warm-up in which students try to determine how long it would take to count to a million. The second part of this activity is a kinesthetic outdoor activity where students select a numbered piece of paper and wait until their number is called to stand along a line that represents chronological time. The last aspect is a research assignment to create a pictorial time line. These combined activities seem like a great way to have students understand this very difficult concept.

Using Models and Movement to Teach

I like the scaffolding the author takes in this article to get students thinking about the geologic time scale. I could see this being used as an engage piece with students. I like how the ... See More

I like the scaffolding the author takes in this article to get students thinking about the geologic time scale. I could see this being used as an engage piece with students. I like how the author suggested a follow up of students creating their own time lines. Having students work to create their own timelines could also lead to a discussion on the use of models in science as well.