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Geologic time is broken down into Ages (the smallest subdivision), Epochs, Periods, Eras, and Eons (the largest division). Today we are officially in the Phanerozoic Eon, the Cenozoic Era, the Quaternary Period, and the Epoch of the Holocene. Some scientists suggests we have entered the Anthropocene. But should this be a new Age? A new Epoch? Should we recognize the Anthropocene at all? That partially depends on how important we view ourselves as the human race. Divisions in geologic time are divided based on major events in Earth history that are recoded globally in the rock record. The bigger and more important the event, the higher the rank in geologic time. For example, the Cenozoic Era began with the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. It is indisputable that we are leaving our mark in the rock record as a species, but just how big of a mark is it?

Issue 22 – The Anthropocene? (.pdf)

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SciNews Lesson Materials

Brief powerpoint on Geologic Time and Anthropocene Debate fact sheet for the Pro-Anthropocene group Debate fact sheet for the Anti-Anthropocene group

Educator Background Materials & Additional Resources



Alternative Lesson Plan

