Understanding time scales
I can describe key events in the history of Earth and distinguish between billions, millions and thousands of years ago.
Understanding time scales
I can describe key events in the history of Earth and distinguish between billions, millions and thousands of years ago.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Evidence suggests Earth was formed 4.5 billion years ago.
- One billion is one thousand million.
- Evidence suggests the first living organisms (microorganisms) appeared around 3.8 billion years ago.
- The oldest fossils are around 3.5 billion years old, and the newest fossils are around 10 thousand years old.
- Evidence suggests the first land plants appeared 500mya, the first mammals 200mya, and modern humans 350k years ago.
Keywords
Billion - One billion is one thousand million (1 000 000 000).
Thousand - One thousand (1000) is equal to 10 × 10 × 10.
Million - One million is one thousand thousand (1 000 000).
Evolution - The characteristics of species gradually change over time, sometimes forming new species. This process is called evolution.
Common misconception
Students struggle to comprehend absolute ages of key events in the history of Earth and evolutionary history.
This lesson provides many examples and context to give students a sense of the differences in time scales involved in the history of Earth and evolution.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
