Mineral Structure 3
This is a partially developed activity description. It is included in the collection because it contains ideas useful for teaching even though it is incomplete.
Initial Publication Date: October 27, 2014
Summary
Introduction to silicate structures.
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Context
Audience
This exercise is designed for a mid/upper-level undergraduate geology course on the principles of mineralogy.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Students should have knowledge of basic chemistry and of minerals equivalent to what they would learn in an introductory geology class.
How the activity is situated in the course
This activity is the 35th of 36 mineralogy exercises and is used at the end of the course.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
- Become familiar with silicate mineral crystal structures. Be able to identify and explain them.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
- Be able to make connections between abstract properties that govern crystal structures and the structures of silicate minerals.
Other skills goals for this activity
- Learn to use graphics programs to make 2- and 3-dimensional drawings of crystal structures.
- Be able to relate 2- and 3-dimensional drawings to ball and stick, and other, models.
Description of the activity/assignment
Introduction to silicate structures.