Sequencing Geological Events Unit

Take your students on a journey through deep time with the Sequencing Geological Events Unit—a hands-on, low-prep resource that helps make sense of Earth’s complex history. Centered around the essential question, “How do geologists use bedrock features and radioactive elements to determine the age of objects?”, this unit gives students the tools to explore how scientists read the rock record to understand our planet’s past.

Perfect for any earth science classroom, this unit breaks down big concepts like relative vs. absolute age, the Law of Superposition, cross-cutting relationships, radioactive decay, and more. Students will learn to interpret outcrops, identify geologic features, and apply principles that geologists use every day to build Earth’s timeline.

Key vocabulary includes: geologist, relative age, absolute age, uniformitarianism, superposition, original horizontality, cross-cutting relationships, outcrop, metamorphism, unconformity, radioactive decay, isotope, half-life period, and radiometric dating.

Why Teachers Love This Unit:

• Clear, guided instruction with engaging visuals and examples
• Interactive activities that support critical thinking
• Low-prep but high-impact—just print and go (with a few materials for the lab!)
• Great balance of vocabulary, practice, and application

What’s Included:

• Unit Pacing Guide – A roadmap to help you plan your lessons with ease
• Lesson Plan – Easy-to-follow plans with objectives, materials, and timing
• Presentation & Guided Notes – Keep students engaged and following along with structured notes
• Practice Worksheet & Answer Key – Reinforce key concepts with targeted practice
• Radioactive Decay of Candium Lab & Answer Key – A fun, memorable simulation of radioactive decay using candy

This unit makes the abstract concepts of geologic time feel accessible and exciting. Whether you’re teaching relative dating or modeling radioactive decay, your students will walk away with a solid understanding of how we decode Earth’s deep past.

⚠️ BUNDLE & SAVE!⚠️ Save 10% on this resource in the Geologic History Unit Bundle!

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Thanks for visiting!
Jessica