6th - 8th Grade Module 10 Concept 1

Cycle 1

How does the fossil record provide evidence for the change in diversity and complexity of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth?
Cycle Summary

In this beginning cycle of the module, students use the fossil record as the first piece of evidence in support of the theory of evolution. They create a timeline to show the pace of the development of life on Earth.

Read More +
Session 1
Elicit

Students complete a probe on evolution and a probe on fossils. Students share their responses with the class.

Engage

Students create a scale model of the development of life on Earth and answer analysis questions.

Session 2
Explore

Students complete the Fossil Record Data Activity to determine when different forms of life existed and identify possible causes for gaps in the record.

Session 3
Explain

Students read about fossils and answer analysis questions.
Students complete the Fossil Layer Simulation Game and complete the student journal page.

Session 4
Elaborate

Students watch the video, “The Day the Earth Died”, complete the Earthviewer Activity with student journal page and the Mass Extinction Interactive with student journal page to investigate environmental conditions and events that affected life on Earth.

Session 5
Evaluate

Students complete a CER writing piece on the fossil record and how life on Earth has changed over time.
Students may complete a formative assessment.

Extend
Extend

Students predict if a fossil will form from a given organism and its environment.