How has Earth changed over time? Pupils explore the topic in a differentiated instruction unit on the geological time scale. After a pre-assessment to gauge knowledge, class members divide into groups based on their ability levels and complete a RAFT assignment (role, audience, format, topic) on different eras of time by choosing roles. Then, they participate in a lab, a discussion, and a mini-project to learn about half-lives.

Concepts

relative dating, half lives, geologic time scale, geology, geologic history, the earth, radioactive dating, radioactive decay

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Rearrange groups to have scholars present their time periods to members of other groups
• Have learners take the pre-assessment again at the end of the unit to compare their responses

Classroom Considerations

• Requires some background knowledge of Earth Science for understanding

Pros

• Includes video hook to gain learner interest
• Contains rubrics for assessment

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.1 RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4