The age of the universe has been calculated to be about 13.7 billion years. A billion is 1000 millions. The Earth is about 4.6 billion years old, with the earliest fossils dating back to 3.4-3.7 billion years. The oldest fossils include stromatolites and cyanobacteria (blue green algae) cells discovered in the north-west of Western Australia.
Relativity of scales
When using any measuring device, it is important that you choose the appropriate scale for what you intend to measure and its magnitude (size). We would use different scales to measure the distances between galaxies, the length of a leaf, and the diameter of an atom.
TASK 1
If you used a roll of toilet paper to represent a timeline, and one piece of paper represents 20 million years, how many squares of toilet paper would you need? Where abouts would humans appear on the roll?
Periods of time
Scientists who study events that took place over geologic timespans name the major divisions of time so they can talk about them.
Relativity of scales
When using any measuring device, it is important that you choose the appropriate scale for what you intend to measure and its magnitude (size). We would use different scales to measure the distances between galaxies, the length of a leaf, and the diameter of an atom.
TASK 1
If you used a roll of toilet paper to represent a timeline, and one piece of paper represents 20 million years, how many squares of toilet paper would you need? Where abouts would humans appear on the roll?
Periods of time
Scientists who study events that took place over geologic timespans name the major divisions of time so they can talk about them.
TASK 2
Each student will be allocated a period of time. You are to research it and describe its characteristics. You will present your findings to the rest of the class.
Each student will be allocated a period of time. You are to research it and describe its characteristics. You will present your findings to the rest of the class.