Practice: Drawing Conclusions from Observations: ISC7.T2.M2.04

Objective

I can make an argument from evidence for how the geologic time scale shows the age and history of Earth.

 Task

Scientists use rock layers of the Earth, fossils, and existing features and artifacts to help give time and reference to the age of the geological landform or feature. Another rule of study they follow is that of superposition. Young rock layers lie on top of older rock layers. Often times, it can be a bit more complicated to determine the age of the rocks and fossils. In order for scientists, geologists, and paleontologists to know the ages of fossils, they can do relative dating, in which the relative or estimated age is based upon the rock layers and fossils found in and surrounding rock layers.  Scientists compare rock layers that are close by and share similar characteristics, like rock type or if the same type of fossils are found there. This activity will model how they estimate the age of rock layers and fossils.

Instructions:

1. Use the diagrams in the assignment Links to an external site. to find the age of the rock layers and fossils through comparison.  

2. Answer the questions about the two geological land sites.

3. Use the geographical land site map Links to an external site., and key Links to an external site. to answer questions about the geographical land site, the age of layers, and the artifacts.

4. Then, write a concluding explanation about the pattern of rock layers and the way scientists find the relative age of rocks.

5. Once completed, upload and click submit.

 Resources

Drawing Conclusions from Observations Assignment Links to an external site.

Geographical Land Site Map Links to an external site.

Key to answer Questions Links to an external site.