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Title: Geological Time Line
Level: Primary - Middle ( 3 - 8 )
Time: Varies - depends on age/level and complexity of project
KERA Goals: 1.3, 1.5 - 1.9, 2.1, 2.22, 5.1, and 5.3

Objective: The student will demonstrate knowledge of when coal was formed.

Materials:

Adding machine tape (or other suitable paper)
Paints
Crayons
Chalk

Activity:

Born: .Anthracite: 10:46 p.m.
Bituminous: 10:48 p.m.
Lignite: 10:40 p.m.

1. Plot a geological time line showing when coal was formed.
2. Determine that coal is a form of solar energy that was first released 250 million years ago.

1. Working alone or in small groups, students will determine the shape, form, and type of geological time line that he/she/they would like to create to portray the age of the Earth and its subsequent creations.
2. Using the wide variety of materials available, the students will complete the project in class or at home.
3. Students will explain the results of their personal efforts to their classmates. This may be a creative activity using various means to communicate the findings; for example, portraying a B.C./A.D. TV news reporter or a doctor in a hospital delivery room; interviewing Fred Flintstone; or producing a play with insects, shelled invertebrates, or swamp forests as main characters.

Discussion:

1. How is the sun a source of all of our energy?
2. How is a chunk of coal related to the sun?

Provided by Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center

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