Relative Dating Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie:

Why do you think scientists and others are interested in understanding the age of Earth? (Tap prior knowledge)

What do you think rocks tell us about the age of Earth? (Predict)

During the Movie (Pause Points):

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 3:00: How is Earth’s age related to thin layers of sedimentary rock? (Draw conclusions)

Timecode 4:37: Why was Smith’s discovery that layers of rock with the same fossils are connected considered a breakthrough? (Make inferences) 

Timecode 6:20: What is the relationship between absolute age and the geologic time scale? (Make connections; Compare/contrast) 

After the Movie:

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Relative Dating topic. (Make connections)

How does relative dating add to scientists’ knowledge about Earth? (Reflect)

BrainPOP recommends reading  the movie description that appears on the Relative Dating Topic Page to your class. Then show the movie once through without pausing.  Watch it again, this time using the discussion prompts.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.