Geologic Time Scale: The No-Adding-Machine-Tape, Annotated, Illustrated Timeline

Suitable for traditional classroom instruction or distance learning (if a printed copy is provided for students).

An easy to use resource that includes a fun build it yourself annotated geologic timeline with supporting worksheets.

If you teach kids about the geologic timeline, you have probably run into those timeline activities that require kids to use adding machine tape. But have you priced adding machine tape? It can be hard to find, too. So I set out to make a timeline that kids could build from pieces cut out from copy paper. Because I am an illustrator in addition to a science teacher, I ended up doing lots of research on geologic time and evolution. Then I illustrated the annotated tabs that kids can cut out, color, and stick on their timeline. By completing the timeline with or without tabs, the kids learn A LOT about history of Earth and life on Earth.

In my experience, it takes about 3-5 days to complete this activity.

Here's what you will find in this product:

1. Instructions for use.

2. A 4.6 billion year assemble yourself timeline (measures 2.5 meters when done) in full color and black and white versions

3. 3 pages of "tabs" which include illustrations and important events in Earth's history. Tabs fit neatly onto timeline and have aids to help students place them correctly.

4. A "make your own tabs" version with a suggested list of important events so teachers can make the activity a little more challenging

5. Three worksheets for fast finishers who need an additional challenge: one is on the etymology of words found on the timeline, and one is on using scientific notation with timeline dates, one has "questions to ponder" to flex those higher-level thinking muscles!

6. The "classic" version of the timeline that was the original resource before it was updated. In my opinion, the new one is much better, but some folks prefer the older version with stacking "tabs."

The study of Earth's history is dynamic and interesting, and there's something about building a 7 1/2 - foot long model that kids really enjoy. I hope you and your students will find this not only rich in content but also lots of fun.

Please note: You may be interested in the Geologic Time Scale Quiz that is available on my TPT store for $2.29 to go along with this activity. I personally have my kids assemble their timelines and then use their completed timelines on the quiz as an "open book" (okay, "open timeline") quiz. For me, it provides a good assessment activity to complete the construction of the timeline. And really, being a geology geek, I am always looking for an excuse to spend 30 extra minutes on this interesting topic!