Toilet Tissue Geologic Timeline Rocks!

Curricular concept: Dating techniques and the stratigraphic column have provided us with a history of the Earth. A geological timeline is an abstraction of the stratigraphic column (a mapping of all the world’s known rock units, a theoretical continuous stack). (simplistic) http://www.annalsofgeophysics.net/Stratigraphic_Column.html

Geological Timeline and Rocks as “Old Timers”

To give graphic demonstration of the enormous extent of geologic time with rocks and relate to tangible visual for students.

Grade level: 3-7

Tools needed: toilet paper roll, Geologic Timescale Events modifiable Excel table as students may need to adjust sheets, test pens on paper before distributing, different types of stones

Toilet paper supply:

(Must know sheet number on roll) If two-ply, it may be easier to write on. (Later research environmental impact of toilet paper manufacturing as sustainability issue.)

Be sure the dimensions are same as activity toilet roll or figure out adjustments.

Example: Windsoft 2 ply toilet tissue is white, 4.5 x 3.5 sheets; 500 sheets per roll

http://encyclopedia.toiletpaperworld.com/

http://it.helped.us/save/bestprices/toilet-paper.php

Web resources:

Good visual.

Making Earth History Timeline with Toilet Paper Roll

http://www.worsleyschool.net/science/files/toiletpaper/history.html

Best explanation for Geological Lesson with Toilet Roll and has spreadsheet

http://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/activities/TPGeoTime.html

Helpful

Elizabeth Roettger’s Homepage

http://www.nthelp.com/eer/HOAtimetp.html

Strategy: Demonstration uses toilet paper roll sheets to mark the ages in our geological timeline for understanding of rock cycle in relation to our existence.

1. Students in groups could help in preparation by marking the sheets using Toilet paper excel.

2. Teacher prepares toilet sheets ahead of time with help of parents or students.

3. Students place stones on the timeline.

• What did you learn about the geologic timescale?
• Where could you place rocks on toilet paper timeline?
• How did your ideas about rocks’ connection to the earth change?
• How did your ideas about geologic time change?
• Why did your ideas about geologic time change?
• How can you apply what you have learned to other areas in science?