Module 1 | Overview, Lectures, & Readings

Take a look at this picture of a canyon wall below. How do we determine how old the rocks that form it are? How do Geologists organize, measure, and interpret time? How do you organize and experience time?

Summary

In this module we will discuss our scientific understanding of the age of the Earth. We will explore some of the primary observations and assumptions that lead to the development of our understanding of the age of the Earth.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you should be able to

• Propose a test for the hypothesis of an old Earth.
• Apply the principles of relative dating to order events.
• Explain the time between events in Earth history.
• Calculate the age of the Earth based on radioactive decay.

Assignments and tasks

To help you meet these objectives and assess your performance you will:

• Complete Module 1 | Discussion and reply
• Submit Gots and Nots for each lecture
• Take the Module 1 | Geological Time Quiz
• Do the LearnSmart reading assignment Chapter 9. Geologic Time

Lectures

Tuesday 1:20 pm, Geological Time part 1: Relative dating and fossils Lecture 2: Geologic Time part 1

Live lecture link 1 Links to an external site. + Gots and nots 2

Thursday 1:20 pm, Geological Time part 2: The age of the Earth and radiometric dating Lecture 3: Geologic Time part 2

Live lecture link 2 Links to an external site. + Gots and nots 3

Lab

No lab this week. We will have our first lab meetings the week after this. Watch for announcements from your TAs.