You have worked extremely hard learning about fossils; creating your own fossils and helping scientists excavate amazing preserved specimens.  Now is your chance to show what you know by putting all the pieces together into a final project on earth’s expansive history.  Work with your lab partner to complete the following assessment.

 

Instructions:

 

Step #1     Scientists estimate the Earth to be 4.6 billion years old.  In its early years, Earth was a much different planet then it is today, devoid of life, water, etc.  Research some of the major geologic events in Earth’s history using the links provided in your curriculum web.   Use these focus questions to help you guide your research.

 

            When did primordial oceans form?

 

            When did plant life begin to appear on Earth?

 

            When did animal life begin to appear in the oceans?

 

            When did the first land animals evolve?

 

            When did humanlike life appear on Earth?

 

 

   Step #2:  Now add to the following chronological list of geologic events.  You must have a total of 15 milestones in Earth’s history. Record your findings on the Geologic Time Line worksheet.

 

            4.6 billion years ago:  Earth was created

            4.5 billion years ago:  Earth’s moon was created

 

 

Step #3:  Create a chronological power point that shows your findings.  Each slide should represent a milestone in Earth’s geologic history.  All slides should include text and visual images. Review the Curriculum Web Rubric before you begin.

 

            Slide 1:  Geologic History - Introduction

 - describe the meaning of this term as it relates to our planet Earth

 

Slide 2-5: Demonstrate understanding of the following concepts:

 

 

1)      Explain what a fossil is and at least two ways that a fossil can form

 

2)      Describe several (3 minimum) of the steps that scientists go through to excavate a fossil

 

3)  Explain how the fossil record contributes to our understanding of .Earth’s history

 

Slides 6-15: Feature 10 of the chronological events that you have discovered about Earth’s geologic history.  Support why you have chosen these ten events as major milestones.

  

Extra! Extra!

 

Create a slide that demonstrates your predictions for the future of Planet Earth.