Homework on Volcanic Rock Chemistry and Binary Phase Diagrams
Summary
This homework has 2 main parts: In the first part, students are given bulk compositions for 6 volcanic rocks and asked to classify them, think about their normative compositions, and given likely tectonic settings for three of them. In the second part, they work with a complex binary phase diagram. In this part, they must think about components vs. phases, the lever rule, behavior at a peritectic point, and fractional removal of a phase.
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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 general igneous petrology and binary 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 is used to make students comfortable with binary diagrams.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
This activity involves data analysis.
Other skills goals for this activity
Description of the activity/assignment
This homework has 2 main parts: In the first part, students are given bulk compositions for 6 volcanic rocks and asked to classify them, think about their normative compositions, and given likely tectonic settings for three of them. In the second part, they work with a complex binary phase diagram. In this part, they must think about components vs. phases, the lever rule, behavior at a peritectic point, and fractional removal of a phase. After completing this homework, I find that students are comfortable working with any binary diagram I give them.
Determining whether students have met the goals
Students have met the goals of this activity if they successfully complete the assignment.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Teaching materials and tips
- Activity Description/Assignment (Acrobat (PDF) 96kB Jul13 03)
- Solution Set (Acrobat (PDF) 102kB Jul13 03)
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