Science·Dinosaurs & Paleontology·conceptual
Rock Layers & Relative Dating
Understand that rock layers (strata) form in sequence with the oldest at the bottom and the youngest at the top, and that fossils found in deeper layers are older — this is the principle of relative dating
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is exploring how scientists study dinosaurs through fossils — learning about dinosaur classification, evolution into birds, extinction events, and how paleontologists uncover and interpret evidence from millions of years ago.
Evidence of understanding
- Explain that sedimentary rock forms in layers with the oldest at the bottom
- Use a diagram of rock strata to determine which fossil is older based on its position
- Define relative dating as working out the age of something by comparing its position in rock layers
Assessment prompt
If Rock Layers & Relative Dating saw a cliff with layers of rock, could they explain that the bottom layers are the oldest and that fossils found deeper down lived longer ago?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.