Geologic Time Scale Reflection Questions

Zach Merto
Maniscalco
Geologic Time 01: Geologic Time Scale

Reflection Questions
1. What scale did you use to make your model?
The scale I used to make my model was 1:10.
2. How did you decide to use this scale? Show your calculations.
By using the scale calculator, that was provided, I arrived at the 1:10 scale. I learned that using a scale calculator to “scale down” may take multiple attempts. I tried a few times before arriving at the 1:10 scale. First, I entered the scaling factor of 1:10, for
1/10 scale. Next, I entered the number for the real-world object (in centimeters) in the box marked “input.” In this case, the object is the 4,600 million year geologic time period. Then, I pressed the button labelled “cm” for centimeter. The box marked
“output” displayed the scaled down size of 460 centimeters. I knew this was the correct scale. The piece of paper I am using for the geologic time scale is 4.6 meters long which equals 460 centimeters. Therefore the 4,600 scaled down to 1/10 would be the length of 460 centimeters.
3. Based on the scale you used, how long (in centimeters) was the Precambrian period compared to the rest of the scale?
Based on the scale I used, the Precambrian period was 406 centimeters long compared to the rest of the scale.
4. How many “centimeters” of time separated the dinosaurs and humans on Earth?
Based on the scale, 6.58 centimeters of time separated the dinosaurs and humans on
Earth.
5. Were you surprised by the length of the time scale when you saw it on a continuous strip of paper? Why or why not? Explain your answer as it relates to the scope of
Earth’s geologic past.
I was surprised by the length of the time scale when I saw it on a continuous strip of paper. At first, I did not think the Earth’s geologic past would fit on one strip of paper.
Then, I remembered that the strip of paper is a scaled down version, 1/10 of the true size. It is very hard to fathom the time span of 4,600 million years. But, the scale did give me a better idea of when events occurred during that span of time.