Teaching Geological and Evolutionary Processes Using Mass Extinctions

This Click & Learn allows students to explore the Earth from its formation 4.5 billion years ago to the present.

• Have students complete the “Student Worksheet - Mass Extinctions” document.
• Ask students to generate a list of questions about the causes and effects of mass extinctions.
• Have students post their top three questions in the classroom (physical or virtual).
• Have students revisit the posted questions after watching the film The Day the Mesozoic Died (resource 2 in this playlist) and completing the “Finding the Crater” activity (resource 3 in this playlist).

Estimated Time: One 50-minute class period.

This film tells the story of the scientific quest to explain the disappearance of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, combine it with other resources in the playlist as follows:

• Show students Act 1 of the film (0:00–15:30)
• Have students complete the “Finding the Crater” activity (resource 3 in this playlist).
• Show students the rest of the film after they complete the activity.
• Have students revisit the three questions they generated at the beginning of this lesson sequence (resource 1 in the playlist).

Estimated Time: One 50-minute class period.

In this activity, students evaluate geological evidence from sites around the world. They use this evidence to predict the location of the asteroid impact that caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs.

Use the suggestions in the “Teacher Materials” to implement this activity.

Estimated Time: One to two 50-minute class periods.

In this Data Point activity, students interpret a figure to examine species population declines that may be a part of the next mass extinction.

Use the suggestions in the “Educator Materials” to guide students through a discussion about the figure. Ask these additional questions about the role of humans in the sixth mass extinction:

• What is the role of humans in generating these patterns?
• What are some similarities and differences between the sixth mass extinction and the Cretaceous mass extinction?

Estimated Time: One 50-minute class period.

Some species, including the evolutionary ancestors of birds, survived the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous. This film explores fossil evidence showing that birds evolved from dinosaurs.

Have students watch the film and complete the film activity (resource 6 in this playlist).

Estimated Time: Half of a 50-minute class period.

This activity guides students through concepts covered in the film Great Transitions: The Origin of Birds (resource 5 in this playlist).

Have students complete the “Student Quiz” individually or in groups.

Estimated Time: Half of a 50-minute class period.