Geologic Time Notes Lesson Plan (Direct Instruction)

Teacher:Julie Koshy

Subject/Grade: Earth & Space

Date: Mar. 22, 2016

Standard: S6.C3.PO4. Interpret a geologic time scale.

Objective (SWBAT):
Analyze a geologic time scale to make inferences about Earths development.
Sub-objectives, SWBAT (Sequenced from basic to complex):
Read a geologic time scale.
Describe general characteristics of various geologic time periods.
Analyze the geologic time scale.
Evidence of Mastery: Students will complete a worksheet that will require students to analyze a
geologic time scale; score of 8/10 will demonstrate mastery.
Key vocabulary: eon, era, period, epoch, age, and
fossil record.

Materials: geologic time PowerPoint, geologic

time PowerNotes, projector, projector screen,
related images and videos (embedded in
PowerPoint), geologic time scale worksheet,
students lab notebooks, & writing utensils

Guided Practice

Input Instructional

Opening/Anticipatory Set:
Determining the relative and absolute ages of objects and organisms can help determine how the Earth
formed and changes during that development.
Teacher Will:
Present what a geologic time scale is and how
to read one using the PowerPoint and asking
higher order thinking questions.

Student Will:
Take notes and answers questions posed by
the teacher.

Differentiation:
Students who have difficulty writing the notes can be given guided notes.
Teacher Will:
Play the videos and describe how to
analyze the images. Ask students analysis
questions about the images. Model how to
analyze a geologic time scale.

Student Will:
Take notes according to what the
teacher says. Pay attentions to modeling of
how to read the diagrams. Respond to the
questions related to the images.

Differentiation:
Those who quickly grasp the concept can give students who have difficulty reading
diagrams help.

Practice Independent

Teacher Will:
Provides students with the geologic time
worksheet to assess students ability to analyze
geologic time scales.

Student Will:
Complete the assessment
independently.

Differentiation:
Students who require it can be given extra time to complete the assignment.

Closure/Lesson Summary:
Reflections: Why is the geologic time scale important? What can it help scientists and you determine?
What else would you like to know about the geologic time scale?