Science Probe II Technology Activities

Chapter 12

Internet

1.Petrified wood is an interesting artifact to find when gathering geologic samples in the different areas. Conduct an Internet search to learn about:

a. What process forms petrified wood?
b. Which types of wood are most likely to become petrified?
c. Where is petrified wood found?
d. How is it dated?

Prepare a multimedia presentation to inform your classmates of what you have learned. If you have a sample, bring it to class for your presentation. Below is a web site to get you started:

Arizona Guide: Petrified Forest National Park http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/petrified_forest/national_park.html

2. Radioactive isotope dating has become an important method for dating objects for geologists. The isotopes mentioned in this chapter (carbon-14, uranium-235, and potassium-40) are three that are used, but they are not the only ones. Conduct an Internet search to find answers to the following questions:

a. What other isotopes are used to date geologic samples?
b. What are the decay products of the isotope?
c. What is the half-life of the isotope, and what time period is the dating most accurate?
d. How is the amount of the isotope found in the sample? e.In what types of samples is the isotope found?

Prepare a multimedia presentation to inform your classmates of what you have learned.

Application Software

Activity 12A – Use a word processing program to set up a two-column table. In the first column, enter the list of questions you personally would like to ask about the clam shell mentioned in this activity. Then meet with your group to decide how you would answer these questions without the use of a library, and enter this into the second column. Transfer these notes to a presentation program to share the notes with the class. Print the document, and secure it in your SCIENCE PROBE Logbook.