Interpretation and Petrogenesis of Zoned Plagioclase
R. K. Smith
, The University of Texas at San Antonio
This activity was selected for the On the Cutting Edge Reviewed Teaching Collection
This activity has received positive reviews in a peer review process involving five review categories. The five categories included in the process are
- Scientific Accuracy
- Alignment of Learning Goals, Activities, and Assessments
- Pedagogic Effectiveness
- Robustness (usability and dependability of all components)
- Completeness of the ActivitySheet web page
For more information about the peer review process itself, please see http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/review.html.
This page first made public: Jun 11, 2008
Summary
The purpose of this exercise is to give students the experience of utilizing the two component solid solution phase diagram of albite-anorthite and applying this diagram to the interpretation and petrogenesis of chemically zoned plagioclase.
Context
Audience
This exercise is designed for a sophomore or junior level petrology course that is required for majors.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Students should know how to interpret a phase diagram.
How the activity is situated in the course
This is a stand-alone exercise.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
This activity is designed to improve students' understanding of phase diagrams and zoning in minerals.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
This activity involves critical thinking, synthesis of ideas, and data analysis.
Other skills goals for this activity
This activity involves group work.
Description of the activity/assignment
The purpose of this exercise is to give students the experience of utilizing the two component solid solution phase diagram of albite-anorthite and applying this diagram to the interpretation and petrogenesis of chemically zoned plagioclase.
Determining whether students have met the goals
Students have successfully completed this exercise if they completely and accurately answer the questions and follow instructions given in the exercise handout.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Download teaching materials and tips
- Activity Description/Assignment (Microsoft Word 21kB Jan5 04)
- Solution Set (Microsoft Word 26kB Jan5 04)





