Forensic Archaeology lab

In this lab, we used paper instead of radioactive molecules to get a feel for how half life works. This lab also helped us practice calculating half life and understanding what the calculations mean and why the specific formulas are used. The formula to calculate half life is: # of radioactive atoms initially/ 2^half lives. To calculate backwards to determine the original radioactive mass from the half life mass, we use the formula # of radioactive atoms*2^half lives. After calculating the data from this sample experiment, we use the collected information to apply it to the real world problem given and use the information of half life decay to determine how old in years an artifact (body) is. I think this is a good experiment that not only helps us practice calculating half life, but we also understand how half life calculations are used in the real world. I think applying acquired knowledge from lectures to real world or hands on activities really helps me understand concepts better.