Group Activity Cards

Patterns and Functions Use groups of 2.

The Dating Game

Read the following. Then, working together, solve the problem.

In 1907, Bertram Boltwood discovered that radioactive materials decay at a constant rate. This discovery made it possible to find the age of geological specimens and human artifacts.

All living things contain the radioactive material carbon 14 (C-14). After death, the amount of C-14 steadily decreases. After 5,570 years, only half of the original amount of C-14 remains. The C-14 continues to decrease by half every 5,570 years.

Using the information above, find a pattern that will tell you what part of the original amount of C-14 contained in a plant remains in its fossil after 38,990 years.