Abstract
Imagine a walk through time where your feet touch the same rocks that a trilobite crawled
upon over 600 million years ago! Step forward on the sea floor that existed beneath the giant
Devonian fishes. Tread the surface where the Jurassic Apatosaurus made huge bulges in the mud as
it walked through what are now Denver suburbs. Move toward the present where the giant woolly
mammoth roamed, a mere 11,000 years ago. These are just a few of the steps that you will take
in A Walk Through Time. This scale model of geologic time is phase one of a proposed long term
project between Broomfield Heights Middle School, the City of Broomfield and the Geological
Society of America to create an outdoor science museum that will be used by Broomfield schools
and the community at large. Instead of simply reading about geologic history in the Denver area,
students and the community will build a 3-dimensional interactive exhibit based upon a local
stratigraphic column.
Constructed in the form of a walkway, each layer in the column will be proportional in length
to the time that it depicts. Large rocks, representative of their geologic periods will be placed
on either side of the walkway as the path winds through geologic history. To enhance understanding
of geologic principles and processes, a plaque with a descriptive paragraph as well as a graphic
representation of the flora and fauna of its time, will accompany each period. Not only will
students learn geology, math, graphic design, research, writing, problem solving, and leadership
skills as they create A Walk Through Time, but also they will leave a legacy for future students
and adults to learn about our rich geologic history.
Representatives from the City of Broomfield and the Geological Society of America will assist
students as they build their vision of A Walk Through Time. Our project will be evaluated three
times throughout the year to assure that it is completed on time and on budget. In addition,
we will have a public impact evaluation before and after the project is completed.
To preserve the Earth and human-kind, we must understand our beginnings and our history, our
landscape and our resources. When completed, A Walk Through Time will help to provide this
understanding and create a work of art that the community of Broomfield will be proud to share!
