Ages of Rocks and the Earth
Initial Publication Date: June 30, 2008
Summary
This activity introduces students to the mathematics of radiometric dating. Students first apply the rubidium-strontium isotopic system to date rock samples from the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, and then to date a meteorite and estimate the absolute age of the Earth.
Click here to view the full activity on the Kéyah Math Project website.
Click here to view the full activity on the Kéyah Math Project website.
Learning Goals
Objectives
Mathematical Skills
Context for Use
This activity consists of a set of quantitative problem-solving exercises that can be used as an in-class activity or an assignment in any introductory geology, geography, Earth science, or Earth materials course.
Description and Teaching Materials
Teaching Notes and Tips
An Instructor's Guide to all Kéyah Math activities is available online from the Instructor Resources page on the Kéyah Math website.
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Assessment
Students record their work and answers in a word-processor document or a notebook, which can be submitted to the instructor for assessment. Solutions to these problems are available online from the Instructor Resources page on the Kéyah Math website.
References and Resources
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