December Earth Science Lesson Plans
Date
12/4, 12/5
Tues/Wed
Objectives


12/6, 12/7
Thurs/Fri


12/10, 12/11
Mon/Tues


Activities
Interpret rock layers using
principles of relative dating
and absolute age dating.
Explain how rocks allow
geologists to interpret Earth’s
history




Interpret rock layers using
principles of relative dating
and absolute age dating.
Explain how rocks allow
geologists to interpret Earth’s
history

Define fossils and explain how
fossils are made
Identify the factors that
determine if an organism will
become a fossil
MSCS= Montana Science Content Standard
Standards
Review
Glaciers Quest (30 mins)
Read 12.1 and complete question sheet (15 mins)
Relative dating

MSCS 4: BM 4
Discuss 12.1: Relative Dating (30 mins)Uniformitariansim, James Hutton, Relative DatingSequence of events, Law of Superposition- Nicolaus
Steno, Principle of Original Horizontality- Steno,
Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships-Steno,
Inclusions, Unconformities, Correlation of Rock Layers
 Relative Dating Workbook Activity (30 mins)- Discuss
 Read 12.2 and complete question sheet (15 mins)
HW: Finish 12.2

MSCS 4: BM 4



Review relative dating (10 mins)
Read 12.2 and complete question sheet (20 mins)
Fossil Discussion/Notes (20 mins)- Fossil Formation,
Unaltered Remains, Altered Remains – petrified,
molds, casts, carbonation, preservation (amber),
Indirect Evidence (tracks, burrows, etc.), Conditions
Favoring Preservation

MSCS 4: BM 4

Otsi, the Iceman- Video (25 mins)- Preserved remains
BM= Benchmark
12/12, 12/13
Wed/Thurs


12/14, 12/17
Fri/Mon


12/18-12/19
Tues/Wed



12/20, 12/21
Thurs/Fri

Define fossils and explain how
fossils are made
Identify the factors that
determine if an organism will
become a fossil


MSCS 4: BM 4
Define fossils and explain how
fossils are made
Identify the factors that
determine if an organism will
become a fossil

Fossils and Geologic Time Webquest (50 mins)- Life
has a history, Fossil Record, Understanding Geologic
Time
 What is absolute age dating and how is it different
than relative age dating? (15 mins)- Notes/discussion
HW: Read 12.3 and complete question sheet (20 mins)

MSCS 4: BM 4
Describe the geologic time
scale
Recognize some of the
important events in geologic
history
Review for geologic history
test


Handout Chapter 12 Test Review
Break students up into 4 groups: Students will review
their topic thoroughly and then present it to the rest
of the class (45 mins)- Poster: Relative Dating, Fossil
Evidence, Absolute Dating, Geologic Time Scale
 Review for Test (30 mins)- Work on test review
HW: Study for test- TEST NEXT CLASS
MSCS 4: BM 3
Chapter 12 Assessment

MSCS 4: BM 4


MSCS= Montana Science Content Standard
Finish Otsi video (40 mins)- Discuss and turn in video
worksheet
Fossil Exploration Lab (35 mins)- Complete and discuss
Test (45 mins)- Geologic Time, Relative Dating,
Absolute Dating, Fossils
Planet Earth Episode
BM= Benchmark