PURPOSE:
Using RELATIVE DATING TECHNIQUES, each student will construct a GEOLOGIC CROSS-SECTION and a
corresponding GEOLOGIC COLUMN.
MATERIALS:
 sheet of 8 ½ x 11 white paper
 markers/colored pencils
 pencil
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Colored construction paper*
Glue*
Scissors*
PROCEDURE:
1. Use a pencil to draw an outline of a geologic cross-section on the 8 ½ X 11 piece of white paper. The crosssection must include a minimum of the following;
a) 8 different rock layers
b) layers that are folded or tilted
c) 1 unconformity
d) 1 igneous intrusion
e) 1 fault
f ) 3 index fossils (*refer to separate handout)
****Get approval from your teacher before moving on!
2. Color each layer a different color (or use colored construction paper).
3. Use random order lettering to help identify the different layers, intrusions and faults.
4. Label each of the layers with an appropriate rock name (*refer to separate handout)
5. Cut, paste and label at least 3 fossils onto your sedimentary rock layers. Be sure to place the older ones in
the bottom layers and the younger ones on top.
6. On the back, write the CORRECT geologic column, with the correct lettering from oldest at the bottom to
youngest at the top. It will serve as an answer key. Be sure to include the index fossils, folding/tilting and
unconformities.
Simple Example: Geologic Cross-Section
X) Fault
On front: label
rock names with
random letters
Put them in the correct order on the
back: [Oldest on the bottom and
youngest on the top]
Geologic Column
X) Fault
L) Sandstone
B) Basalt
L) Sandstone
L) Sandstone w/ ammonite
A) Limestone w/ graptolite
A) Limestone
R) Shale w/ trilobite
A) Limestone
R) Shale
Sandsto
Another Example:
Geologic Cross-Section
On front: Random lettering & Label Rock Names
I) Basalt
U) Conglomerate
Y) Limestone
T) Coal
E) Mudstone
R) Siltstone
Q) Sandstone
W) Shale
On the
back:
Geologic Column
I. Basalt
U. Conglomerate w/ ammonite
Y. Limestone
T. Coal
**Erosion/Unconformity
**Folding
R. Siltstone
E. Mudstone w/ graptolite
W. Shale
Oldest 
Q. Sandstone w/ trilobite