1. Foraging for Fossils
What are the many reasons we study our Earth? How does recorded history differ from Earth history? What is the geologic time scale? How are events put in order? How and where was the geologic time scale developed? What are fossils, and how do they tell us the age of rocks? What are some of the challenges of studying fossils? What do you believe to be the great importance of studying our fossil records?

Explore answers to these questions by following the links below.

Consider This Before Answering the Questions
Many of us find a sense of connection with our family's history. Further, as members of the human species, we are intrigued by our own historic and prehistoric underpinnings. It follows, then, that for us, fossils are fascinating not only because they have been preserved for so long (how did that happen?), but particularly because of what they can tell us about our own past, our own roots, our own beginnings.

• Hoping you share this fascination and enthusiasm, let's go to http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/fossils/contents/html, a web site of the United States Geological Society.
• Click on "Introduction" and let's begin (at the bottom of each site, click on the "Next" shell to move on).
• First, what are the many reasons we study our Earth? How does recorded history differ from Earth history? What is the geologic time scale? How are events put in order? How and where was the geologic time scale developed?
• Discuss the laws of superposition and original horizontality. Examine the photos and state what the rock formations tell us. What are fossils, and how do they tell us the age of rocks? What comprises the "great bulk" of the fossil record? How was William Smith able to apply his knowledge of fossils in a practical way? What is the Law of Fossil Succession and what are the three important concepts for studying and using fossils? What are some of the challenges of studying fossils? How can fossils be used? The last page in this exercise is The Numeric Time Scale-before you read the information, see if you can answer the four questions presented, then check yourself to see if you were correct.

After You Answer the Questions
All things in this lesson considered, what do you believe to be the great importance of studying our fossil records?