Geologic Time Scale Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Geologic Time Scale classroom resources offer a comprehensive, student-centered approach to teaching middle school earth science. These resources allow students to explore the concepts of relative and absolute age, fossil records, and Earth's geologic history. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of geologic time scale. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
This comprehensive middle school unit on the geologic time scale is built around the 5E Instructional Model and includes everything needed for engaging, student-led learning. Editable PowerPoints, worksheets, assessments, and student-choice projects support instruction, while Spanish translations of vocabulary, readings, and interactive notebook pages ensure accessibility for all learners. The unit helps students explore essential questions related to Earth's geologic history, fossil record, and major historical events, and aligns with both NGSS and the 2021 TEKS standards.
During the Exploration phase, students rotate through a differentiated, multimodal station lab with nine engaging input and output stations. Activities include hands-on experiments, short readings, video analysis, website research, card sorts, writing prompts, and drawing exercises. A challenge station extends learning for early finishers. The Explanation phase provides note-taking tools and interactive notebook templates to guide students through the lesson content. These materials are flexible for both classroom and virtual learning environments.
Students deepen their understanding in the Elaboration phase with creative, student-choice projects, and their knowledge is evaluated using STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments in standard and modified versions. With its low-prep format and built-in differentiation, this unit offers a dynamic, structured approach to teaching the geologic time scale.
This comprehensive middle school unit on the geologic time scale is built around the 5E Instructional Model and includes everything needed for engaging, student-led learning. Editable PowerPoints, worksheets, assessments, and student-choice projects support instruction, while Spanish translations of vocabulary, readings, and interactive notebook pages ensure accessibility for all learners. The unit helps students explore essential questions related to Earth's geologic history, fossil record, and major historical events, and aligns with both NGSS and the 2021 TEKS standards.
During the Exploration phase, students rotate through a differentiated, multimodal station lab with nine engaging input and output stations. Activities include hands-on experiments, short readings, video analysis, website research, card sorts, writing prompts, and drawing exercises. A challenge station extends learning for early finishers. The Explanation phase provides note-taking tools and interactive notebook templates to guide students through the lesson content. These materials are flexible for both classroom and virtual learning environments.
Students deepen their understanding in the Elaboration phase with creative, student-choice projects, and their knowledge is evaluated using STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments in standard and modified versions. With its low-prep format and built-in differentiation, this unit offers a dynamic, structured approach to teaching the geologic time scale.
The Kesler Science engaging, student-led Geologic Time Scale Station Lab is designed to keep middle school students actively learning through a hands-on, differentiated approach. With nine modular stations, students will explore key earth science concepts such as analyzing fossil records and interpreting patterns in the history of life. The activity is crafted to allow students to direct their own learning, promoting independence and critical thinking, while saving teachers prep time.
The station lab includes both input and output activities, offering multimodal learning options. From hands-on demos in the "Explore It!" station to research tasks, reading passages, videos, and interactive tools, students engage in a variety of formats to absorb the material. The output stations give students the opportunity to organize, illustrate, write, and assess their knowledge, reinforcing the geologic time scale through multiple expression methods.
Teachers will find flexibility with the differentiated activities, making it suitable for a wide range of learners, including early finishers, while also offering a challenge station for advanced students.
The Kesler Science engaging, student-led Geologic Time Scale Station Lab is designed to keep middle school students actively learning through a hands-on, differentiated approach. With nine modular stations, students will explore key earth science concepts such as analyzing fossil records and interpreting patterns in the history of life. The activity is crafted to allow students to direct their own learning, promoting independence and critical thinking, while saving teachers prep time.
The station lab includes both input and output activities, offering multimodal learning options. From hands-on demos in the "Explore It!" station to research tasks, reading passages, videos, and interactive tools, students engage in a variety of formats to absorb the material. The output stations give students the opportunity to organize, illustrate, write, and assess their knowledge, reinforcing the geologic time scale through multiple expression methods.
Teachers will find flexibility with the differentiated activities, making it suitable for a wide range of learners, including early finishers, while also offering a challenge station for advanced students.
The Kesler Science Geologic Time Scale Student Choice Projects allow middle school students to choose from six project options, plus a “design your own” project, providing a creative, student-driven way to demonstrate their understanding of Earth’s geologic history. A detailed grading rubric is included, allowing for assessments by the teacher, peers, or even self-assessment. This resource is also part of the Earth Science Complete Lesson Bundle.
These flexible, multimodal projects cater to various learning styles and can be adapted for differentiation. The projects give students the freedom to explore the topic in a way that suits their strengths, with a rubric that evaluates vocabulary, concepts, clarity, and accuracy. Teachers can also modify the rubric to meet specific grading needs and assign combinations of projects for students needing additional challenges.
Low-prep and using common classroom materials like paper, markers, and scissors, the projects are accessible for all students. Many options can also be completed digitally, allowing students to engage creatively while developing critical thinking skills related to the geologic time scale.
The Kesler Science Geologic Time Scale Student Choice Projects allow middle school students to choose from six project options, plus a “design your own” project, providing a creative, student-driven way to demonstrate their understanding of Earth’s geologic history. A detailed grading rubric is included, allowing for assessments by the teacher, peers, or even self-assessment. This resource is also part of the Earth Science Complete Lesson Bundle.
These flexible, multimodal projects cater to various learning styles and can be adapted for differentiation. The projects give students the freedom to explore the topic in a way that suits their strengths, with a rubric that evaluates vocabulary, concepts, clarity, and accuracy. Teachers can also modify the rubric to meet specific grading needs and assign combinations of projects for students needing additional challenges.
Low-prep and using common classroom materials like paper, markers, and scissors, the projects are accessible for all students. Many options can also be completed digitally, allowing students to engage creatively while developing critical thinking skills related to the geologic time scale.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Interactive Notebook Bundle is a must-have for teachers who want to provide an interactive learning experience in earth science. It includes both print and digital versions, making it a versatile resource for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The bundle covers a wide range of earth science topics, including Continental Drift Theory, plate boundaries, rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, Earth’s layers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more. It also features activities like Venn diagrams, topographic maps, and reflection pages to help students demonstrate understanding and make connections between concepts.
The digital version includes a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, which can be uploaded to Google Slides or learning management systems like MS Teams and Canvas. The paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos to guide students in completing each activity. Both versions come with a teacher answer key and a modified version for students with accommodations.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Interactive Notebook Bundle is a must-have for teachers who want to provide an interactive learning experience in earth science. It includes both print and digital versions, making it a versatile resource for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The bundle covers a wide range of earth science topics, including Continental Drift Theory, plate boundaries, rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, Earth’s layers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more. It also features activities like Venn diagrams, topographic maps, and reflection pages to help students demonstrate understanding and make connections between concepts.
The digital version includes a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, which can be uploaded to Google Slides or learning management systems like MS Teams and Canvas. The paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos to guide students in completing each activity. Both versions come with a teacher answer key and a modified version for students with accommodations.
The Time Scale of Earth Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-ESS1-4, guiding students in constructing scientific explanations about how the geologic time scale organizes Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old history. Students explore how paleontologists use index fossils to date rock layers by completing engaging, hands-on or digital activities. Both formats include comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and a reflection section to deepen understanding.
Each version of the lab is available in three differentiated levels—Dependent, Modified, and Independent—so teachers can meet the needs of all learners. Students may work with Geologic Time Scale cards and the International Chronostratigraphic Chart in the print lab or use fully interactive slides in the digital lab, which requires no materials. This flexible approach supports varied classroom settings and student abilities.
Editable teacher resources, answer keys, and standards-aligned objectives are included to make planning easy. The lab supports multimodal learning through Google Slides-compatible files and editable PowerPoints, ensuring students stay engaged while teachers enjoy maximum instructional flexibility.
The Time Scale of Earth Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-ESS1-4, guiding students in constructing scientific explanations about how the geologic time scale organizes Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old history. Students explore how paleontologists use index fossils to date rock layers by completing engaging, hands-on or digital activities. Both formats include comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and a reflection section to deepen understanding.
Each version of the lab is available in three differentiated levels—Dependent, Modified, and Independent—so teachers can meet the needs of all learners. Students may work with Geologic Time Scale cards and the International Chronostratigraphic Chart in the print lab or use fully interactive slides in the digital lab, which requires no materials. This flexible approach supports varied classroom settings and student abilities.
Editable teacher resources, answer keys, and standards-aligned objectives are included to make planning easy. The lab supports multimodal learning through Google Slides-compatible files and editable PowerPoints, ensuring students stay engaged while teachers enjoy maximum instructional flexibility.
This comprehensive Fossils and Geologic Time Sub Plan provides an engaging, student-centered experience that covers key concepts through a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, and extension tasks. Students will explore fossilization processes, create story outlines, and work through a scenario to demonstrate how organisms become fossils. Early finishers can extend their learning with comic creation or Grand Canyon graphic analysis.
The lesson includes detailed instructions and support for both in-class and distance learning formats. The distance learning version is equipped with a Google Form answer sheet and student PDFs for easy annotation. These resources make it easy to implement both in-person and virtual instruction, ensuring flexibility for diverse learning environments.
Designed for ease of use, the lesson plan includes substitute directions, engaging activities, extension tasks, and assessments, all aimed at keeping students engaged. With editable documents, answer keys, and a full set of materials for digital and print use, these plans are ideal for absent days, distance learning, and small-group instruction.
This comprehensive Fossils and Geologic Time Sub Plan provides an engaging, student-centered experience that covers key concepts through a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, and extension tasks. Students will explore fossilization processes, create story outlines, and work through a scenario to demonstrate how organisms become fossils. Early finishers can extend their learning with comic creation or Grand Canyon graphic analysis.
The lesson includes detailed instructions and support for both in-class and distance learning formats. The distance learning version is equipped with a Google Form answer sheet and student PDFs for easy annotation. These resources make it easy to implement both in-person and virtual instruction, ensuring flexibility for diverse learning environments.
Designed for ease of use, the lesson plan includes substitute directions, engaging activities, extension tasks, and assessments, all aimed at keeping students engaged. With editable documents, answer keys, and a full set of materials for digital and print use, these plans are ideal for absent days, distance learning, and small-group instruction.
The Kesler Science Plate Tectonics Escape Room provides an engaging way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of plate tectonics and Wegener's continental drift theory. Teachers have full control over the activity, choosing from eight independent puzzles to fit different class periods. The escape room can be set up using simple materials like manila envelopes or with more authentic props, such as locks and storage boxes, to enhance the experience.
For digital use, a Single Student Digital Version can be assigned via Google Slides or email, allowing students to solve puzzles and manipulate images online. A printable version in PPT or PDF is also available for at-home use.
The Plate Tectonics Escape Room includes detailed teacher directions, answer keys, editable templates, and digital tools like Google Forms for assessments. Additional resources, such as a video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and photo props, make the escape room a memorable and exciting activity that students will love!
The Kesler Science Plate Tectonics Escape Room provides an engaging way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of plate tectonics and Wegener's continental drift theory. Teachers have full control over the activity, choosing from eight independent puzzles to fit different class periods. The escape room can be set up using simple materials like manila envelopes or with more authentic props, such as locks and storage boxes, to enhance the experience.
For digital use, a Single Student Digital Version can be assigned via Google Slides or email, allowing students to solve puzzles and manipulate images online. A printable version in PPT or PDF is also available for at-home use.
The Plate Tectonics Escape Room includes detailed teacher directions, answer keys, editable templates, and digital tools like Google Forms for assessments. Additional resources, such as a video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and photo props, make the escape room a memorable and exciting activity that students will love!
In Kesler Science Reading Time with Rocks, students explore Earth’s place in the universe through a nonfiction article on reading time with rocks. After reading, students complete comprehension questions and engage in a hands-on mini-project where they research and recreate a fossil. The leveled science reading passage is designed to boost reading comprehension and science literacy, perfect for middle school students.
The resource includes articles with Lexile levels ranging from 1100-1300, suitable for grades 6-8 and advanced 5th graders. Students answer 5-7 comprehension questions, and the mini-project provides an interactive, hands-on experience. Cornell notes templates are also included to support students' learning. The content is visually engaging with colorful graphics, and it can be printed in grayscale.
This resource is ideal for diverse learning environments, including remote learning via Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, or Canvas. Teachers can use it for absences, extra credit, or as part of regular instruction to foster discussions and improve science literacy.
In Kesler Science Reading Time with Rocks, students explore Earth’s place in the universe through a nonfiction article on reading time with rocks. After reading, students complete comprehension questions and engage in a hands-on mini-project where they research and recreate a fossil. The leveled science reading passage is designed to boost reading comprehension and science literacy, perfect for middle school students.
The resource includes articles with Lexile levels ranging from 1100-1300, suitable for grades 6-8 and advanced 5th graders. Students answer 5-7 comprehension questions, and the mini-project provides an interactive, hands-on experience. Cornell notes templates are also included to support students' learning. The content is visually engaging with colorful graphics, and it can be printed in grayscale.
This resource is ideal for diverse learning environments, including remote learning via Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, or Canvas. Teachers can use it for absences, extra credit, or as part of regular instruction to foster discussions and improve science literacy.
The Kesler Science Earth’s History Science Writing Prompts are a creative and engaging way for middle school students to explore earth science through a persuasive essay. This activity tests students' knowledge while encouraging critical thinking and writing skills. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, it’s perfect for any classroom environment, with easy-to-use materials that minimize prep time.
Aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, this student-centered activity supports elaboration and review, making it a versatile tool for various classroom needs. The writing prompt comes with teacher directions, rubrics, and options for full-sized or half-sheet handouts. The digital version allows for easy integration into Google Slides for remote learners.
Ideal for cross-curricular use, this activity can serve as a formative assessment, extra credit, or a differentiation tool. It also offers opportunities for student choice projects, early finishers, and even TELPAS samples. With its engaging format, it’s a valuable resource for enhancing students’ understanding of Earth’s history while improving their writing skills.
The Kesler Science Earth’s History Science Writing Prompts are a creative and engaging way for middle school students to explore earth science through a persuasive essay. This activity tests students' knowledge while encouraging critical thinking and writing skills. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, it’s perfect for any classroom environment, with easy-to-use materials that minimize prep time.
Aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, this student-centered activity supports elaboration and review, making it a versatile tool for various classroom needs. The writing prompt comes with teacher directions, rubrics, and options for full-sized or half-sheet handouts. The digital version allows for easy integration into Google Slides for remote learners.
Ideal for cross-curricular use, this activity can serve as a formative assessment, extra credit, or a differentiation tool. It also offers opportunities for student choice projects, early finishers, and even TELPAS samples. With its engaging format, it’s a valuable resource for enhancing students’ understanding of Earth’s history while improving their writing skills.
The Kesler Science Earth Science WIKI Tickets provide formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics, offering flexible options to check students' understanding in an engaging format. Each topic includes five versions: a full-screen projection version, three handout sizes (full, split, and quarter-page), and an interactive digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint.
The Earth Science WIKI Tickets cover a wide range of earth science topics, including minerals, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and human impact on the environment. Some topics have more than one ticket, but every topic is covered by at least one.
The WIKI Tickets can be used in both in-person and virtual learning environments. They work great as exit tickets, bellringers, or informal assessments during lessons. Teachers can project them, use printable handouts, or assign them digitally for remote students, making them adaptable for any teaching situation.
The Kesler Science Earth Science WIKI Tickets provide formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics, offering flexible options to check students' understanding in an engaging format. Each topic includes five versions: a full-screen projection version, three handout sizes (full, split, and quarter-page), and an interactive digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint.
The Earth Science WIKI Tickets cover a wide range of earth science topics, including minerals, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and human impact on the environment. Some topics have more than one ticket, but every topic is covered by at least one.
The WIKI Tickets can be used in both in-person and virtual learning environments. They work great as exit tickets, bellringers, or informal assessments during lessons. Teachers can project them, use printable handouts, or assign them digitally for remote students, making them adaptable for any teaching situation.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Lesson Extensions offer engaging activities for fast finishers, fostering critical thinking and creativity. These extensions are designed to scaffold learning for students ready to dive deeper into earth science topics while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They provide a fun yet rigorous way to enhance lessons and keep students focused during independent work or testing.
Each Lesson Extension includes four core activities: a Puzzler to improve problem-solving, a Maker Space to promote STEAM connections, a Tech Connection to demonstrate learning through digital media, and a Word Master activity to integrate creative writing. These activities ensure students engage with the content in a variety of ways, helping reinforce their understanding.
The Lesson Extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and both paper and digital versions for flexibility. Perfect for wrapping up lessons or providing enrichment, these extensions cover a wide range of earth science topics like climate change, fossil fuels, and plate tectonics, all while meeting high-level science standards.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Lesson Extensions offer engaging activities for fast finishers, fostering critical thinking and creativity. These extensions are designed to scaffold learning for students ready to dive deeper into earth science topics while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They provide a fun yet rigorous way to enhance lessons and keep students focused during independent work or testing.
Each Lesson Extension includes four core activities: a Puzzler to improve problem-solving, a Maker Space to promote STEAM connections, a Tech Connection to demonstrate learning through digital media, and a Word Master activity to integrate creative writing. These activities ensure students engage with the content in a variety of ways, helping reinforce their understanding.
The Lesson Extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and both paper and digital versions for flexibility. Perfect for wrapping up lessons or providing enrichment, these extensions cover a wide range of earth science topics like climate change, fossil fuels, and plate tectonics, all while meeting high-level science standards.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the geologic time scale through real-world connections to mining. Students begin with an introductory reading that explores how mines provide evidence of Earth’s rock strata, followed by comprehension and extension questions to spark curiosity and build background knowledge.
A second, explanatory reading breaks down the science of the geologic time scale and the role of Earth’s rock layers in understanding Earth’s history. Reinforcement questions help students deepen their learning and make connections to NGSS concepts. This two-part resource is a great fit for the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model.
The lesson includes teacher directions, answer keys, editable materials, and both print and digital versions compatible with Google Classroom. A differentiated version supports diverse learners with simplified language and sentence starters. This no-prep activity is aligned to NGSS standard ESS1-4 and is designed to supplement and enhance any middle school science lesson.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the geologic time scale through real-world connections to mining. Students begin with an introductory reading that explores how mines provide evidence of Earth’s rock strata, followed by comprehension and extension questions to spark curiosity and build background knowledge.
A second, explanatory reading breaks down the science of the geologic time scale and the role of Earth’s rock layers in understanding Earth’s history. Reinforcement questions help students deepen their learning and make connections to NGSS concepts. This two-part resource is a great fit for the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model.
The lesson includes teacher directions, answer keys, editable materials, and both print and digital versions compatible with Google Classroom. A differentiated version supports diverse learners with simplified language and sentence starters. This no-prep activity is aligned to NGSS standard ESS1-4 and is designed to supplement and enhance any middle school science lesson.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions
Below are the essential questions associated with the lessons and activities included in this unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
-
How does the relative and absolute age of rocks and the fossil record provide evidence to Earth’s geologic history?
-
How is Earth’s geologic history classified?
-
What are some major events in Earth’s geologic history?
Kesler Science Membership
Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).
Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.