Earth's Changes Over Time

Hello!

I felt it is important for me to reiterate to my students and their families that even thought we are beginning to study geologic time, the ideas presented in this unit are scientific theory. Not at any time during these units, will I attempt to convince students that geologic theory is anything more than a theory, nor will I penalize students for having a different viewpoint or belief other than these theories being presented.

I will encourage all students to think critically about evidence presented within these units, as I do with all units. If a student would like to discuss the theories further, I am willing to discuss theories and hypotheses that have been presented by all sides as a means to encourage critical thinking and higher order thinking skills.

Below I have listed the Oregon Standards for Science that are required regarding these theories of changes within the Earth over time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

SC.08.3.A.2(7) Describe the Earth's structure and how it changes over time.
SC.08.3.A.2(12) Describe the evidence for and the development of the theory of plate tectonics.
SC.08.2.C.1(6) Describe and explain the theory of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution.
SC.08.2.C.1(7) Identify and explain how random variations in species can be preserved through natural selection.