Mineral Structure 3

Dexter Perkins
,
University of North Dakota
Author Profile

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.

Determining whether students have met the goals

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

Teaching materials and tips

Other Materials

Supporting references/URLs