Lesson 3.6.4

Lesson 4 - Pinpointing Time

Get Focused

Finding more exact ages for ancient objects is not a easy process. In this lesson we will investigate radiometric dating techiniques and learn how to calculate the age of ancient objects.

Consider the following essential questions as you complete Lesson 4:

  • What is radiometric dating ?
  • What is a half life ?
  • What is a half life curve ?
  • How does carbon dating work ?

assignment Module 6 : Lesson 4 Assignment

Once you have completed all of the learning activities for this lesson you can complete the online assignment.

Sci20 3.6.4 online assignment

Below is a link to the assignment for this lesson. There is also a link at the bottom of the page.

Explore

Click on the link below to explore the lesson content

Lesson 3.6.4 Content Link

Radioactive Dating applet

Vocabulary

Below is a link to the Science 20 Glossary. Make sure you can identify and define the terms within the glossary that correspond with this lesson.

Science 20 Glossary

 

Read

Read pages 319 - 324 in the Science 20 Textbook. There is a text link below

Lesson 6.4 Text

Self Check

To check your understanding you can try the questions on page 324 of the Science 20 textbook.

Watch and Listen Watch and Listen

Video or multimedia content

Sci20 tut#3.6.4 Tutorial Video

 

Reflect and Connect

Research the oldest object that was dating using carbon dating techniques. Why couldn't an older object be dating using carbon dating ? Post your answers to the discussion forum.

Module 6 : Lesson 4 Assignment.

Sci20 3.6.3 online assignment

Lesson Summary

In this lesson you learned how to complete radiometric dating calculations, including carbon dating using half lives and decay curves.

Module 7 will look at Alberta as it existed in the distant past.