The fossil record helps paleontologists, archaeologists, and geologists place important events and species in the appropriate geologic era. It is based on the Law of Superposition which states that in undisturbed rock sequences the bottom layers are older than the top layers. Therefore, some discovered fossils are able to be dated according to the strata, a distinct layer of rock, that they are found in. Another common way that fossils are dated, is through radiocarbon dating. The development of this type of dating, in the 1950s, transformed paleontology and enhanced the accuracy of the fossil record. With every new fossil discovery, our understanding of the environment in a particular time becomes richer. Use these resources to teach middle schoolers more about the fossil record and radiocarbon dating.