SI
| (a) |
Discuss why geologists consider the geologic time scale as an important framework for understanding changes to Earth's crust, life forms, climate and continental positions over time. (K) |
| (b) |
Explain how the paradigm shift from catastrophism to uniformitarianism has influenced scientific thinking about Earth's geological history. (K, STSE) |
| (c) |
Assess the importance of the fossil record as evidence to support scientific understanding of geological time and evolution. (STSE, A, K) |
| (d) |
Recognize that the nomenclature (e.g., eon, era, period and epoch) and major divisions of the geologic time scale are based on scientists' interpretation of the fossil record. (K, STSE) |
| (e) |
Outline the major geological and biological events that occurred during a particular eon, era, period or epoch of the geologic time scale. (S) |
| (f) |
Research the consequences of catastrophic events such as asteroid impacts (at Cretaceous-Tertiary [K-T] boundary in Saskatchewan), glaciation and volcanism on the fossil record. (K, S, STSE) |
| (g) |
Contrast absolute and relative dating principles and techniques and the benefits of each. (K, STSE) |
| (h) |
Provide examples of the key concepts of relative dating, including the law of superposition, principle of uniformitarianism, principle of original horizontality, principle of cross-cutting relationships, principle of inclusions and components, principle of faunal succession, principle of lateral continuity, and unconformities. (S, K) |
| (i) |
Describe how and why scientists use radiometric dating techniques to determine the absolute age of rocks. (S, K) |
| (j) |
Contrast absolute and relative dating principles and techniques and the benefits of each. (K, STSE) |
| (k) |
Discuss how scientists revise the geologic time scale in response to new geological and fossil evidence. (STSE) |
| (l) |
Provide examples that show geologists can learn about Earth's formation and early history by studying other objects in the solar system. (STSE, A) |
