The Geologic Time Scale Phenomena-Based Lesson: Global Centimeter-Thick Iridium Clay Anomaly at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary Presentation | Earth & Space Science | Grades 9–12

This is the student-facing slide presentation that introduces the phenomenon, walks the class through observations and driving questions, and frames the evidence students will use for the Phenomena-Based Lesson in the high school Earth & Space Science (grades 9–12) chapter The Geologic Time Scale, built around the phenomenon Global Centimeter-Thick Iridium Clay Anomaly at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary. It is sold separately from the other two parts of the set.

Complete the set: The Geologic Time Scale Phenomena-Based Lesson: Global Centimeter-Thick Iridium Clay Anomaly at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary Teacher Discussion Guide; The Geologic Time Scale Phenomena-Based Lesson: Global Centimeter-Thick Iridium Clay Anomaly at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary Student Response Sheet. Scaffolded version: The Geologic Time Scale Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson: Global Centimeter-Thick Iridium Clay Anomaly at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary Presentation.

Sections: NGSS Dimension; Specific Performance Expectation & Dimensional Alignment; Slides; Segment; Focus Activity & Instructional Goal; Anchoring Driving Question (student Sensemaking):; Talk Move Category; Teacher Facilitation Prompt & Sensemaking Strategy. Sample item: “What catastrophic cosmic event laid down this global planetary tombstone sixty-six million years ago?”

What's inside: Student Slide Show (editable .pptx + PDF, 22 slides).

Standards: HS-ESS1-5 — Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks. HS-ESS2-7 — Construct an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.

Resource type: Phenomena-Based Lesson – Presentation. Format: editable Microsoft PowerPoint file plus a ready-to-print PDF.

Classroom use: Open with the phenomenon slide show, let students record ideas on the response sheet, and lead the discussion with the teacher guide. Built for high school Earth & Space Science, grades 9–12.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.