Physics of the Universe · Week 20 · Nuclear Processes and Earth's History
Dating the Earth
Analyzing half life data to date rocks and meteorites while checking our reasoning for bias.
- Students will
- Students analyze half life data to date a rock, compare ages of Earth rocks and meteorites, and check their reasoning for bias.
- SEL skill
- Notice a first impression and check it against evidence before concluding
- What it looks like
- Students use emotions to think critically by noticing when a first impression might bias their reasoning.
- Content focus
- Dating the Earth
- Format
- Collaborative analysis
Responsible decision-making
Responsible decision-making means making caring, constructive choices by thinking about ethics, safety, and consequences. More responsible decision-making activities
What you get
A teacher guide with what to say, step by step, plus student pages and a supports page for students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. Print or Project it, or assign it in Google Forms and Google Docs for Google Classroom. Your first 10 activities are free.
Standards
- HS-ESS1-6: High School Earth and Space Science performance expectation
- Science and engineering practice: SEP4 Analyzing and interpreting data
- Crosscutting concept: CCC3 Scale, proportion, and quantity
- Literacy in science: RST.11-12.3 Follow a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments or taking measurements.
- Traditional course: Physics
Fits these textbook chapters
- Physics Techbook, Concept 4.1: Nuclear Physics
- Physics Techbook, Concept 4.2: Radiometric Dating
- Inspire Physics, Unit 6: Nuclear and Particle Physics
- California HMH Science Dimensions: Physics in the Universe, Unit 6: Nuclear Processes
Textbook names are used only to help you find activities that fit what you teach. RoseThread Connect is not affiliated with these publishers.
More responsible decision-making activities for Physics of the Universe
- Seatbelts and Choices Responsible decision-makingArguing from crash data about safety features and examining how peer pressure affects risky choices.
- Materials by Design Responsible decision-makingEvaluating claims about engineered materials and practicing honest reporting of a source's limits.
- Solar in the Desert Responsible decision-makingEvaluating cost and benefit evidence for desert solar farms and weighing habitat loss against clean energy.
- Digital Signals Responsible decision-makingArguing the advantages of digital information and discussing honesty when sharing images and messages online.
Previous: Atoms That Change · Next: Moving Plates
RoseThread Connect activities are drafted with the help of AI and shaped by educators. Students never have to share anything personal. Our five SEL skills are informed by CASEL's SEL Framework; RoseThread Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by CASEL.