Radioactive Decay

Today in class we discussed:
- Radioactive elements
- Use of radioactive elements in determining the absolute age of rocks
- What is a half-life?
- The role of Potassium 40 and Carbon 14 in dating rocks and fossils.

Worked on Radiometric Dating Activity

Homework due Wednesday/Thursday
Finish lab and study for quiz on geologic time

B6:Stratigraphy

Today in class we:
Discussed the role of unconformities in reading the rock record
Discussed the role of fossils and index fossils in reading the rock record

Worked on stratigraphy activity (due at end of class)

Due Tuesday:
Finish Skills Lab on pg 122: Analyze and Conclude and More to Explore

A2: Relative and Absolute Time

Do Now:
Define relative and absolute time. Give an example of each

Today in class we:
Discussed the difference between relative and absolute time
Discussed how sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, and faults can tell us about events in Earth's history
Worked on "This is your life" Sequencing Activity

Homework due Thursday:
Read Section 2 pg 117-121, answer questions 1-3 on pg 121
Finish Sequencing activity worksheet

Rock Unit Review

B6: Today in class we reviewed for Rock Unit Test (see sidebar for copy of review sheet)
- Completed rock cycle lab (if not handed in today, due Friday)
- Worked on rock identification lab


Due Friday:
Study for Rock Unit Test - Study session on Friday morning @ 7:20 in Rm 411

Rock Cycle

Do Now: Do rocks change over time? What influences if and when rocks change?

Today in class we:
- Reviewed igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
- Discussed the rock cycle and introduced some new vocabulary:

• Crystallization
• Weathering
  
• Erosion
• Contact and Regional Metamorphism
• Uplift

- Drew rock cycle diagrams
- Worked on rock cycle worksheet

Homework due Monday:
Questions 1-7 on rock cycle worksheet

Review Quiz / Metamorphic Rocks

Today in class we:
Reviewed the concepts covered in the quiz: igneous and sedimentary rocks
Began discussion of metamorphic rocks

Sedimentary Rocks

Do Now:
Do rocks change over time?
What causes rocks to change?

Today in class we:
Discussed classification of sedimentary rocks

• Clastic, Organic, Chemical
• Coarse, Medium, Fine grained

Discussed lithification of sedimentary rocks

Homework:
Read section 5.3 and answer review questions

Igneous Rocks

Do Now:
What are the three ways in which rocks are classified?
Where are felsic rocks formed?
Where are mafic rocks formed?
What is the difference in environment between where coarse grained and fine grained rocks form?

Today in class we:
Discussed types of igneous rocks: Granite, Gabbro, Rhyolite, Basalt, Pumice, and Obsidian
Worked on Rocks of Earth's Crust worksheet

Homework:
Read Chapter 5 Section 2, complete section 2 assessment as well as Math Analysis