Purpose

The purpose of this activity is to help students remember major events in geological history. Students will create a timeline in groups and answer analysis questions using the timeline and notes on geologic time. 

Activity

For this activity each student will need a copy of the geologic timeline activity. You will need to save a copy of this to your Google Docs to edit and print.

Each group will need:

• Meter stick
• Colored Pencils (blue, green, red, and black)
  
• Roll of paper 5 meters long (can be calculator tape)
  

This activity will take 30-45 minutes depending on the skill level of your students to create the timeline and 15 minutes for the analysis. (Total time 45-60 minutes)

Helpful Tips

I strongly recommend that you do step three with all the students. This will ensure that they understand what you are asking for. While the students are working on this activity, make sure to walk around and help the students. 

One issue that students had was realizing that the measurements were the total distance from "Today." To help with this I tell my students that the paper provided has been cut to 5 meters long and that their timeline will fit onto that paper. I then tell them that the measurements are from the mark "Today" to where the next mark will go. To help with this, determine the number of groups you will need and if you are not using calculator tape, have students pre-cut the proper length paper you want the students to use a few days in advance. This is a great way to have those students who finish early have something to do to help prepare you for the next activities. 

When it comes to assembly, see if you can have class in the cafeteria for space or in the hallway. 

My final piece of advice is to have one that you have made for one students to see what you are wanting. This will take no more than 30 minutes for you to do but is worth it once they begin. The students will go to your model to get some of their questions answered.