Geologic Time Scale Stations
Station One: Children’s Literature
Directions: List ten new things you’ve learned about the geologic time scale from reading the children’s
books.
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Station Two: Observing Fossils
Directions: (1) Observe ALL of the fossils. When finished, choose two and write two observations about
each one.
Fossil #1
Fossil #2
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(2) Date each fossil (era and period). Give a brief description of each one - including where they lived.
Fossil #1
Fossil #2
Era:
Era:
Period:
Period:
Description:
Description:
(3) What is the Wisconsin state fossil? Why was it chosen to be the Wisconsin state fossil?
Geologic Time Scale Stations
Station Three: Make a Fossil
Directions: Choose a faux fossil and identify it; then follow the directions below to make a mold and cast
of it.
Type of fossil (name):
Time period it lived:
How to Make a Mold and Cast of a Fossil:
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Take a chunk of clay large enough to make an imprint of the faux fossil you selected.
Press the fossil gently, but firmly, into the clay; remove it from the clay, once imprint is completed.
Mass out 5 grams of the dental powder into a Dixie cup; measure 20mL of water in the beaker.
Mix the powder and water together in the beaker. Stir the mixture quickly –just until dissolved.
Pour the mixture into your mold of clay.
Clean the beaker and spoon thoroughly. Once you think it’s clean, clean it again; then dry it!
Wait two minutes; remove the cast from the mold.
Complete this thought below: Something interesting about the fossil I selected/made is…
Station Four: Geologic Time Scale Calendar
Directions: Translate the geologic time scale to a 365 day calendar.
1. Using December 31st as your starting date (DAY ONE), calculate the date of each significant life form
appearance on a 365 day calendar.
2. Multiply the number of days in a year by the given decimal. Round your answer to the nearest
whole number.
3. Count the number of days that have passed from the beginning of time (December 31st of the year
before is DAY ONE) to the time of the appearance of the life form on a calendar.
4. Label the date on the calendar that the life form appeared.
Example: If you calculate that the appearance of worms happened 23 days after the beginning of
time, you would label January 22nd with the words “1st Worms”.
NOTE: Do not count February 29th!
Station Five: Online Learning Module - Understanding Geologic Time
Directions: Using the iPads, navigate your way through the learning tour at:
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/geotime/guide/index.html
1.
Explore each page thoroughly.
2. When you have completed the module, answer the focus questions.