What do you think this is? Coprolite- “dung stone” or fossilized animal feces. Why would finding this fossil be important? Tell us what animal it was from, what animals ate, how big the animal was, how long ago the animal lived, etc. It tells us about Earth’s history!!!!!!!

Partner Activity 1. Working with a partner, your goal is to identify all the information that rocks and/or rock layers can tell us. 2. You will use Ch. 6 in your book to help you do this. 3. You will have about 5 minutes to generate at least 5 answers.

What can rocks and rock layers tell us?

On your piece of paper, make a timeline of your life. Your timeline should begin with your birth and end with the year In between these years, record 5 of the most important events in your life. After making your timeline begin reading Ch. 6 Section 1 on Page 134. On your timeline, besides your birth, what was the earliest event you recorded? Do you perceive time as going by fast or slow? Geologic Time

Earth’s Story For 1000s of years humans have wondered about Earth’s history. 2 main view points: 1. the Earth was shaped suddenly and 2. the Earth was shaped slowly over billions of years. Greatest Discoveries :

Uniformitarianism vs. Catastrophism Catastrophism- principle that states all geologic change occurs suddenly Evidence- Biblical floods, asteroid strikes and other catastrophes created mountains, canyons, and seas.

Uniformitarianism vs. Catastrophism Uniformitarianism- principle that states the same geologic processes shaping Earth today have been working throughout Earth’s history. Evidence: Weathering, erosion and other geologic processes happen slowly. Therefore the Earth must have been shaped slowly.

Conclusion Earth has been shaped by a combination of catastrophism & uniformitarianism. Most geologic change is slow & gradual. But catastrophes have contributed to shaping Earth.