Mineral Physics Activity Sets

J. Michael Brown & Anastasia Chopelas

University of Washington

Summary

These activities are derived from a 500-level mineral physics course at the University of Washington. They include topics such as Earth models, lattices, x-rays, thermodynamics, elasticity, and lattice vibrations. Links to class notes and handouts are also provided.

Used this activity? Share your experiences and modifications

Context

Audience

These activity/problem sets are designed for a 500-level course in mineral physics for geoscience majors. The activities/problem sets are derived from a course at the University of Washington.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Students should have basic skills in mathematics and should have an understanding of mineralogy and physics to complete these assignments. Many of these assignments also use MATLAB, so students should have some familiarity with the program.

How the activity is situated in the course

These are used as homework assignments at the University of Washington, but may be given as in-class or laboratory exercises.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

These assignments are designed to improve students' understanding of Earth model manipulations (density, temperature, pressure), crystal lattices, thermodynamics, elasticity, and lattice vibrations.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Higher order thinking skills for these assignments involve analysis of data, synthesis of ideas, and development of computer or analog models.

Other skills goals for this activity

These activities involve complex mathematics and physics skills.

Description of the activity/assignment

These assignment sets are designed for a 500-level course in mineral physics for geoscience majors. The activities/problem sets are derived from a course at the University of Washington. They include topics such as Earth models, lattices, x-rays, thermodynamics, elasticity, and lattice vibrations/pressure. Some of the activities elicit the use of MATLAB programming. Supporting materials and spreadsheets in addition to links to class notes and handouts are also provided.