Lab: Rock Layers and Geologic Time
In this lab activity, students will create a model of the Geologic Time Scale. The model will show the relative order and absolute age of the various Eons, Eras, Periods, and Epochs of geologic time.
They will apply the dating principal of Superposition in the structure of the model.
Students will also apply the Law of Faunal Succession in the placing of cut-outs of NYS Index Fossils in the rock strata appropriate for the division of geologic time the organisms existed. Any excess fossils that cannot fit into a rock strata on the model will be attached to a NYS map showing the regions covered by bedrock from various geologic periods and eras.
(This lab is intended to be completed by students who have access to the NYS Earth Science Reference Tables, so if you do not have access, a free download is available at the bottom of this page).
