The K-Pg Extinction Event
Describe the Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K-Pg) extinction event approximately 66 million years ago, including the asteroid impact theory and its evidence (iridium layer, Chicxulub crater), and understand that this ended the reign of non-avian dinosaurs
Share and support
Teaching Table
Set out your lesson
Link evidence to the asteroid explanation of the K-Pg extinction.
Ask the learner to explain one prerequisite idea before starting. If uncertain, revisit it; graph order is not learner readiness.
Check readiness rather than assuming source graph order establishes attainment.
Use source-summary cards, not fabricated fossil observations. No precise event simulation claimed.
Use the supplied stage cards on screen or scrap paper; adult key stays separate.
Materials are ready in each step. Use them on screen or print just the current step. Put teaching examples aside before the learner tries.
What this lesson covers and its limits
These are bounded opportunities, not learner attainment. Partial and blocked source requirements remain so.
- partial: Describe the Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K-Pg) extinction event approximately 66 million years ago, including the asteroid impact theory and its evidence (iridium layer, Chicxulub crater), and understand that this ended the reign of non-avian dinosaurs
Bounded objective: Link evidence to the asteroid explanation of the K-Pg extinction. Primary study abstract/search excerpt checked; full article/data not reviewed. Older NASA 65-million wording preserved in research history, not used as the lesson date.
- partial: State that the K-Pg extinction happened about 66 million years ago and wiped out non-avian dinosaurs
About 66 Ma and non-avian qualification stated.
- partial: Describe the asteroid impact hypothesis and name the Chicxulub crater in Mexico
Impact/Chicxulub Mexico summary supplied.
- partial: Explain one piece of evidence: the iridium-rich layer found worldwide in rocks from that time
Primary study excerpt connects iridium marker and crater boundary; full data not reviewed.
- partial: Can {{name}} explain what scientists think caused the dinosaurs to go extinct — and describe at least one piece of evidence for the asteroid theory?
Try offers taught-source-evaluation for the bounded objective; it does not establish every part of the source assessment. Primary study abstract/search excerpt checked; full article/data not reviewed. Older NASA 65-million wording preserved in research history, not used as the lesson date.
Primary study abstract/search excerpt checked; full article/data not reviewed. Older NASA 65-million wording preserved in research history, not used as the lesson date.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Reviewed external links that reinforce this concept. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
No reviewed resources for this concept yet.
The teaching approach above still stands. Curated practice links will appear here as the shelf fills.
Check understanding
- State that the K-Pg extinction happened about 66 million years ago and wiped out non-avian dinosaurs
- Describe the asteroid impact hypothesis and name the Chicxulub crater in Mexico
- Explain one piece of evidence: the iridium-rich layer found worldwide in rocks from that time
“Can your child explain what scientists think caused the dinosaurs to go extinct — and describe at least one piece of evidence for the asteroid theory?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Dinosaurs & Paleontology
- Age range
- Ages 9–11