The 350th anniversary of the publication of Nicholas Stenon's treatise «On the solid, naturally contained in the solid» is marked in 2019. This work proves possibility of interpretation of spatial relations of layers of rocks from the point of view of the time sequence of the phenomena. N. Stenon linked space and time through the appearance in the same place of different bodies, united by certain spatial and geometric relationships, having created a methodological basis for geohistorical analysis. Having substantiated the continuous-discontinuous structure of the sedimentation process, he concluded that a geohistorical process has a similar structure. N. Stenon made a conclusion about the incompleteness of the geological chronicle and the universality of the stratons, and formulated the principle of actualism. In the treatise, the origin of fossils is defined, the factors of fossilization of remains of organisms are analyzed, regularities of formation of locations are considered, new methodical receptions of deciphering of landscapes of the geological past are developed. Linking the spatial relationships between the layers with the sequence of their formation in time, N. Stenon introduced in geology a new relational genetic concept of time and developed a method for determining the temporal properties and relationships of geological objects.

The possibilities of using test tasks of various forms for the current control of the objective assessment of students knowledge of historical geology have been clarified. Brief information about the essence of pedagogical control and tests has been given. The value of control maps for the analysis and statistical processing of test results has been considered. The effectiveness of the test verification system for the organization of self-control over the course of assimilation and consolidation of the acquired knowledge, as well as the implementation of self-management training activities of students, has been proved. It has been concluded that the educational material that affects the history of the Earth in the Precambrian is the most difficult (10,0% of the correct answers), as well as the various aspects of the evolution of the organic world (10,1%), and alsothe information about minerals (11,5%). Students showed the best knowledge in the field of stratigraphic division of the studied intervals of geological history of the Earth (50,4%), features of the Paleozoic stage (42,4%) and various historical aspects (37,3%). It has been established that the maximal difficulties, regardless of the content, cause the tasks requiring systematic knowledge for compliance (9,4%). A small positive dynamics of students performance indicators has been revealed in the study of the material relating to different ages and different types of tectonic structures, as well as in the work with tests to establish compliance. It has been proved that the test control system makes it possible to make more systematic and effective conduct of classes, organize a self-control over the course for mastering individual topics and adjust the lecture material to improve the efficiency of training. Data on the results of the test control of educational work should be fully used for timely adjustment of educational trajectories of students at all stages of training in historical geology. They will be necessary for the development of initiatives in mastering the future profession, creative abilities, the ability to plan and predict the results of their independent actions and to solve non-standard tasks.