relative lab(1_
Radioactive Decay Simulation
Exercise Inventory
Experiment
1
Materials
Styrofoam Cup
*Skittles (~60 candies)
*Computer Access
Note: You must provide the materials listed in *red.
EXPERIMENT 1: RADIOACTIVE DECAY SIMULATION
Geologists exploit the predictable pattern of radioactive decay when they conduct radiometric dating measurements on rocks. In
this experiment, you will explore the nature of radioactive decay and half-life by using Skittles® to represent parent and daughter
atoms.
PROCEDURE
1. On a flat surface, count the number of Skittles® that were in your bag. Record this number in Trial 0 of Table 3 as the
number of Skittles® “S” Up (Parent Atoms) and record 0 as all other values in Trial 0.
2. Place all the Skittles® in your cup. Place your hand over the opening of the cup and shake it several times.
3. Pour the Skittles® out on a flat surface, such as a table or countertop.
4. Count the number of Skittles® with the “S” facing up. Record this number in Table 3. These Skittles® represent the parent
atoms. Place the parent atoms back into the cup.
5. Count the number of Skittles® with the “S” facing down. Record this number in Table 3. The Skittles® represent the daughter
atoms. Set them to the side.
6. You should now have “parent atoms” in your cup, and a pile of “daughter atoms” on the side. Shake the cup several times.
7. Repeat Steps 3‒6 until all your “parent atoms” have decayed. Record your data in Table 3.
8. Answer the Post-Lab questions.
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Data Sheet Experiment 1 Data Sheet
Table 3. Radioactive Decay Data
Trial # Skittles® “S” Up(Parent Atoms)
Skittles® “S” Down
(Daughter Atoms)
Each Trial
Skittles® “S” Down
(Daughter Atoms)
Cumulative Total
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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Experiment 2Reconstructing Geologic Events using Relative Dating Principles
Experiment Inventory
Materials
Paper Models
*Scissors
*Computer Access
*Printer Access
*Clear Tape
Note: You must provide the materials listed in *red.
EXPERIMENT 2: RECONSTRUCTING GEOLOGIC EVENTS USING RELATIVE DATING PRINCIPLES
In this experiment, you will fold paper models to create 3-dimensional stratigraphic blocks. These 3-dimensional models will allow
you to envision strata in the natural environment. You will establish age relationships between the strata using the principles of
relative dating. The patterned layers represent sedimentary rocks, red solid layers represent igneous rocks, and the solid green
square represents the Earth’s surface. Assume that there are no age gaps between layers unless told otherwise.
PROCEDURE
1. Print out the provided models.
2. Carefully cut around the paper models so that you have two “t” shaped models. Fold the “legs” of each block under so
that your formation stands like a table with the Earth’s surface (the green square) on top (see Figure 12). Tape the “legs”
together so that you have an assembled block similar to Figure 12.
3. Observe each formation. Notice how the layers vary based on the perspective with which you look at the block. Consider the
processes that created these formations.
4. Rank the events from oldest to youngest in Tables 4, 5, and 6. Include the type of event (deposition, erosion, or tectonic) and
the principle(s) of relative dating used. An example is provided in Table 4.
Note: Some letters may depict events and not layers
5. Answer the Post-Lab questions.
Figure 12. Assembled Stratigraphic Model 1.
© 2019, eScience Labs
© 2019, eScience Labs
© 2019, eScience Labs
© 2019, eScience Labs
Data Sheet Experiment 2 Data Sheet
Table 4. Model 1
Rock Formation
(Letter) Type of Event Relative Dating Principle(s)
Youngest
B Deposition Superposition
Oldest
Table 5. Model 2
Rock Formation
(Letter) Type of Event Relative Dating Principle(s)
Youngest
Oldest
Table 6. Model 3
Rock Formation
(Letter) Type of Event Relative Dating Principle(s)
Youngest
Oldest
© 2019, eScience Labs