Binary eutectic in-class exercise (Di-An)
Summary
In this activity students work through a binary eutectic phase diagram in small groups and try to determine a set of generalizations that explain the behavior of such systems (e.g., "the first liquid produced upon heating is always the eutectic composition").
Collapse
Context
Audience
This activity would be used in an undergraduate (sophomore or junior level) required course in petrology.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Students should have an understanding of how to read phase diagrams.
How the activity is situated in the course
This is a stand-alone exercise.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
This activity strengthens a student's ability to read and use phase diagrams.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
This activity involves the analysis of data.
Other skills goals for this activity
This activity may involve group work.
Description of the activity/assignment
In this activity students work through a binary eutectic phase diagram in small groups and try to determine a set of generalizations that explain the behavior of such systems (e.g., "the first liquid produced upon heating is always the eutectic composition").
Determining whether students have met the goals
Students have met the goals of this activity if they thoroughly and accurately answer the questions provided in the activity download (see below).
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Teaching materials and tips
Other Materials
- In-class exercise (Acrobat (PDF) 32kB Jun26 03)