Use several Earth-history clues

Supplied materials

• All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
• Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
• Reference card A: fossil evidence about past life. Reference card B: sediment evidence about movement.
• Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Shell fossil in a layer.
• Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Rounded transported pebbles.
• Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: One layer overlies another.
• Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Record reports measured age in years.
• Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Preserved ancient track.
• Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Dated sample reports an age range.

Learn the idea

Several independent clues can strengthen an interpretation. A fossil, sediment texture and layer order answer different questions. A drawn record cannot provide an exact date unless dating evidence is supplied.

Organism clue means fossil evidence about past life. Transport clue means sediment evidence about movement. Relative age clue means layer-order evidence. Numerical age clue means supplied dating measurement.

For organism clue, look for the clue “fossil evidence about past life.” For transport clue, look for “sediment evidence about movement.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

1. Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
2. Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
3. Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
4. Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

Create one new case showing organism clue and one showing transport clue. Expected: the first explicitly shows “fossil evidence about past life”; the second explicitly shows “sediment evidence about movement.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

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