{"id":17434,"date":"2024-05-27T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-27T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/?p=17434"},"modified":"2024-05-21T08:44:26","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T15:44:26","slug":"easy-geologic-time-scale-models","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Geologic Time Scale Models"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In this post, I\u2019ll show you how to make simple geologic time scale models that will help students better understand how the fossil record is organized. Learning about fossils is the most favorite of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Linda-Kamp\/Category\/1283003rd-Grade-Science-________________________-527311\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">3<sup>rd<\/sup> grade science units<\/a>. This lab is part of a complete science unit, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Linda-Kamp\/Category\/1283003rd-Grade-Science-________________________-527311\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Environments, Survival &amp; Fossil Evidence.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"791\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17445\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A boy student holding an iPad with a lesson slide on it that explains what the geologic time scale is.\" class=\"wp-image-17445\" style=\"width:416px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-791x1024.jpg 791w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-455x589.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-233x302.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-564x730.jpg 564w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-350x453.jpg 350w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-lesson-slide-scaled.jpg 1978w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easy Geologic Time Scale Models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the concepts that students explore is the relationship between the fossil record and the geologic time scale. These simple models made from Play-Doh give students a visual to help them explain the connection between the geologic time scale and the fossil record and how scientists use the age of the rock layers in which fossils are found to organize the fossil record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:57px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"791\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17438\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A boy student holding an iPad with a lesson slide on it that explains what the fossil record is.\" class=\"wp-image-17438\" style=\"width:415px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-791x1024.jpg 791w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-455x589.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-233x302.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-564x730.jpg 564w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-350x453.jpg 350w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-lesson-slide-scaled.jpg 1978w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the fossil record scientists can find patterns and learn how organisms have changed over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"531\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17436\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-1024x531.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17436\" style=\"width:580px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-486x252.jpg 486w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-768x398.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-1536x797.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-2048x1062.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-455x236.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-233x121.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-730x379.jpg 730w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-350x182.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:63px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teacher tips:<\/strong> I was able to find all of the needed materials at my local dollar store. I placed students in pairs and let them take turns &#8220;layering&#8221; the Play-Doh and beads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"806\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17447\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-1024x806.jpg\" alt=\"Play-Doh and colored beads to make models of the geologic time scale in a cup.\" class=\"wp-image-17447\" style=\"width:498px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-1024x806.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-300x236.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-768x604.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-1536x1208.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-2048x1611.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-455x358.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-233x183.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-730x574.jpg 730w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/materials-for-fossil-record-activity-3rd-grade-350x275.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Materials needed:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3 colors of Play-Doh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>colored pony beads<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>short, clear plastic cups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>milkshake-size straws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lab sheet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>crayons or colored pencils<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Procedure:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask students to make a plan for how they can use the materials they are given to build a model of the geologic time scale. For students who need more assistance, use the following steps as a guided lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Give each student, set of partners, or group three different colors of Play-Doh, a small 6 oz. clear plastic cup, several pony beads in a variety of colors, a plastic spoon, and a wide (milkshake type) straw. Each student will also need a lab sheet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Environment-Survival-Fossil-Evidence-Activities-Science-Experiment-3rd-Grade-9485224?utm_source=BLOG%20POST&amp;utm_campaign=Environment%20%26%20Survival%20Unit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"978\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17439\" data-pin-title=\"Geologic time scale activity\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-978x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lab recording sheet for the geologic time scale activity.\" class=\"wp-image-17439\" style=\"width:420px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-978x1024.jpg 978w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-286x300.jpg 286w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-768x804.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-1467x1536.jpg 1467w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-1956x2048.jpg 1956w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-455x476.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-233x244.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-697x730.jpg 697w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3rd-grade-fossil-experiment-lab-sheet-1-350x367.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 978px) 100vw, 978px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Environment-Survival-Fossil-Evidence-Activities-Science-Experiment-3rd-Grade-9485224?utm_source=BLOG%20POST&amp;utm_campaign=Environment%20%26%20Survival%20Unit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Lab sheet source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"2\">\n<li>Press the first color of Play-Doh into the bottom of the container forming a \u201crock layer\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"3\">\n<li>Press a few beads into the layer close to the edge of the container so they can be seen.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"4\">\n<li>Continue by pressing the next color of Play-Doh on top of the first layer. Press a few beads into the middle of the second layer close to the edge of the container.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"5\">\n<li>Repeat with the last layer and press beads into the middle of that layer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"996\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17449\" data-pin-title=\"Easy Geologic Time Scale Models\" data-pin-description=\"Play-Doh and colored beads to make geologic time scale models in a cup.\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geographic-time-scale-fossil-record-3rd-grade-science-996x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17449\" style=\"width:296px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geographic-time-scale-fossil-record-3rd-grade-science-996x1024.jpg 996w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geographic-time-scale-fossil-record-3rd-grade-science-292x300.jpg 292w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geographic-time-scale-fossil-record-3rd-grade-science-768x789.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geographic-time-scale-fossil-record-3rd-grade-science-455x468.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geographic-time-scale-fossil-record-3rd-grade-science-233x239.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geographic-time-scale-fossil-record-3rd-grade-science-710x730.jpg 710w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geographic-time-scale-fossil-record-3rd-grade-science-350x360.jpg 350w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geographic-time-scale-fossil-record-3rd-grade-science.jpg 1190w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 996px) 100vw, 996px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"6\">\n<li>Next, students use their straws to take a core sample of their \u201crock layers\u201d by pressing the straw straight downward into the layers. Twist slightly and pull the straw out of the Play-Doh.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"573\" height=\"573\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17444\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-cocre-sample.jpg\" alt=\"Play-Doh and colored beads to make geologic time scale models in a cup.\" class=\"wp-image-17444\" style=\"width:337px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-cocre-sample.jpg 573w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-cocre-sample-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-cocre-sample-455x455.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-cocre-sample-233x233.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-cocre-sample-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-cocre-sample-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 573px) 100vw, 573px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"7\">\n<li>Cut off the extra length of the straw just above the Play-Doh inside it. Gently push a pencil (eraser end first) into the straw to push out the Play-Doh.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17440\" data-id=\"17440\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Taking a core sample of the Play-Doh layers in a geologic time scale model using a straw.\" class=\"wp-image-17440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-455x455.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-233x233.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-730x730.jpg 730w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-04-30-09.51.44-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17446\" data-id=\"17446\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Taking a core sample of the Play-Doh layers using a straw.\" class=\"wp-image-17446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-455x455.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-233x233.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-730x730.jpg 730w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-STEM-lab-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"8\">\n<li>Students draw their models and answer the questions on their lab sheet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Environment-Survival-Fossil-Evidence-Activities-Science-Experiment-3rd-Grade-9485224?utm_source=BLOG%20POST&amp;utm_campaign=Environment%20%26%20Survival%20Unit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"936\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17443\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-activity-3rd-grade-1024x936.jpg\" alt=\"Orange, light blue, and green Play-Doh and colored beads pressed in layers into a cup and made into models of the geologic time scale.\" class=\"wp-image-17443\" style=\"width:456px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-activity-3rd-grade-1024x936.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-activity-3rd-grade-300x274.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-activity-3rd-grade-768x702.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-activity-3rd-grade-455x416.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-activity-3rd-grade-233x213.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-activity-3rd-grade-730x667.jpg 730w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-activity-3rd-grade-350x320.jpg 350w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/geologic-time-scale-activity-3rd-grade.jpg 1370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:74px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Discussion questions:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once students have drawn and labeled their geologic time scale models hold a discussion and ask these questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is the geologic time scale?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the fossil record?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How are the fossil record and geologic time scale related?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What do the different colors of Play-Doh represent in your model?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What do the beads represent?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look closely at your models. Which Play-Doh layer represents the oldest rock layer? <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In which layer would the fossils be the oldest?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What does your core sample show?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What patterns do scientists look for when studying the fossil record?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fossil Evidence Lesson Plans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you teaching a science unit on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Environment-Survival-Fossil-Evidence-Activities-Science-Experiment-3rd-Grade-9485224?utm_source=BLOG%20POST&amp;utm_campaign=Environment%20%26%20Survival%20Unit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Environments, Survival &amp; Fossil Evidence<\/a>? This complete NGSS aligned 3rd grade science unit gives you 4 full weeks of scripted lesson plans, a student workbook, literacy and math-based science center extension activities, STEM activities, lab experiments, and so much more! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Environment-Survival-Fossil-Evidence-Activities-Science-Experiment-3rd-Grade-9485224?utm_source=BLOG%20POST&amp;utm_campaign=Environment%20%26%20Survival%20Unit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"359\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17322\" data-pin-title=\"3rd grade Environments, survival and fossil evidence science unit\" data-pin-description=\"Are you a 3rd grade teacher looking for NGSS aligned activities to teach students about fossil evidence, the fossil record, types of fossils, and the geologic time scale? This post will help you plan! Find lesson ideas, STEM activities, science experiments, and more resources for teaching environments, survival, and fossil evidence in third grade science.\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-1024x359.jpg\" alt=\"3rd grade Environments, survival and fossil evidence science unit.\" class=\"wp-image-17322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-1024x359.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-300x105.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-768x269.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-1536x539.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-2048x719.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-455x160.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-233x82.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-730x256.jpg 730w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Blog-Feature-Image-350x123.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This high quality, resource is available in a digital version with audio lessons and in a money-saving bundle of both formats. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Environment-Survival-Fossil-Evidence-Activities-Science-Experiment-3rd-Grade-9485224?utm_source=BLOG%20POST&amp;utm_campaign=Environment%20%26%20Survival%20Unit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Preview Environments, Survival &amp; Fossil Evidence units here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"569\" height=\"1024\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17437\" data-pin-title=\"Easy fossil record models\" data-pin-description=\"These simple fossil record and geologic time scale models made out of Play-Doh and beads help students visualize and better understand how the fossil record is organized. A fun STEM activity for teaching Fossil Evidence in third grade science!\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-569x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic with a picture of a geologic time scale model made of Play-Doh and beads.\" class=\"wp-image-17437\" style=\"width:261px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-569x1024.jpg 569w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-167x300.jpg 167w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-768x1382.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-853x1536.jpg 853w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-1138x2048.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-455x819.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-233x419.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-406x730.jpg 406w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-350x630.jpg 350w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fossil-science-activities-3rd-grade-scaled.jpg 1422w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 569px) 100vw, 569px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope you&#8217;ll consider making these easy geologic time scale models with your students! If you&#8217;ve enjoyed this post please share it with your teacher friends and save it on Pinterest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For more fossil activities, science experiments and lesson plans visit these posts!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/3rd-grade-fossil-record-activities-fossil-evidence-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Fossil Evidence Activities for 3rd Grade<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"531\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17323\" data-pin-title=\"Fossil evidence activities for 3rd grade science\" data-pin-description=\"Are you a 3rd grade teacher looking for NGSS aligned activities to teach students about fossil evidence, the fossil record, types of fossils, and the geologic time scale? This post will help you plan! Find lesson ideas, STEM activities, science experiments, and more resources for teaching environments, survival, and fossil evidence in third grade science.\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-1024x531.jpg\" alt=\"Pictures of fossils for article about fossil evidence activities for 3rd grade science.\" class=\"wp-image-17323\" style=\"width:437px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-486x252.jpg 486w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-768x398.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-1536x797.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-2048x1062.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-455x236.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-233x121.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-730x379.jpg 730w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Facebook-Feature-350x182.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/environments-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong>Environment &amp; Survival 3rd Grade Science Activities<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"531\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/easy-geologic-time-scale-models\/?tp_image_id=17180\" data-pin-title=\"Environment and survival science activities for 3rd grade\" data-pin-description=\"Learn easy to do environments and survival science activities, fossil evidence science experiments, and hands-on STEM labs that will elevate your 3rd grade science lessons and engage your entire class!\" src=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-1024x531.jpg\" alt=\"Third Grade Science activities to teach environments and survival featured image.\" class=\"wp-image-17180\" style=\"width:428px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-486x252.jpg 486w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-768x398.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-1536x797.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-2048x1062.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-455x236.jpg 455w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-233x121.jpg 233w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-730x379.jpg 730w, https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/environment-and-survival-science-activities-3rd-grade-350x182.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this post, I\u2019ll show you how to make simple geologic time scale models that will help students better understand how the fossil record is organized. Learning about fossils is the most favorite of our 3rd grade science units. This lab is part of a complete science unit, Environments, Survival &amp; Fossil Evidence. Easy Geologic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":17436,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[4797,1009,4803],"class_list":{"0":"post-17434","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-science-activities","8":"tag-fossils","9":"tag-science-experiments","10":"tag-third-grade-science","11":"entry"},"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":76,"label":"Science"}],"post_tag":[{"value":4797,"label":"fossils"},{"value":1009,"label":"science experiments"},{"value":4803,"label":"third grade science"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-1024x531.jpg",1024,531,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Linda Kamp","author_link":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/author\/linda\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":76,"name":"Science","slug":"science-activities","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":76,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":91,"filter":"raw","meta":[],"cat_ID":76,"category_count":91,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Science","category_nicename":"science-activities","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":4797,"name":"fossils","slug":"fossils","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":4797,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":2,"filter":"raw","meta":[]},{"term_id":1009,"name":"science experiments","slug":"science-experiments","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1009,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":24,"filter":"raw","meta":[]},{"term_id":4803,"name":"third grade science","slug":"third-grade-science","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":4803,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":13,"filter":"raw","meta":[]}],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-scaled.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fossil-record-models-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17434","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17434"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17434\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17436"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17434"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17434"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17434"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}