The document discusses determining the age of the Earth from analyzing rocks and fossils. It notes that the rock cycle takes a long time and rock formations show many cycles have occurred, indicating the Earth is much older than 6000 years. The oldest rocks are likely on the bottom and the Earth must predate even the oldest rocks. The document asks questions about understanding how scientists can know details about the distant past and determining the minimum age of the Earth from geological evidence.

1. What does this picture tell us about the age of the Earth?

2. Lesson 2 The Abyss of time

3. Learning Outcomes You will be successful if you can: Analyse some fossils / samples to suggest an explanation . Understand that the “key to the past is the present”. Formulate ideas from evidence and imagination . Recognise the long periods of time involved .

4. Important points: The rock cycle takes a long time, The rock formation gives an impression of lots of cycles taking place - It would take much longer than 6000 years of Ussher therefore, Earth must have moved - at least twice, At some point the rocks were on the bottom of the sea or a river - of which more next lesson. The Earth must be older than the oldest rocks. Oldest rocks are probably at the bottom.

6. Pick a Thinking Hat! Why might people not have believed Hutton? Write a short summary of the rock cycle. What other information would you like to know about the age of the Earth? What would you say to someone who asked how we know what happened so long ago? How do you feel about what you have learnt in this lesson? What could you do to help you learn more effectively in this lesson?