Plotting Compositions in 2-D and 3-D Space

Dexter Perkins
,
University of North Dakota
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Summary

This is a fairly short exercise that can be used for an in-class cooperative learning project or as homework. It includes LOTS of explanation and so is sort of a tutorial. I use it in my petrology class because it works better than lecturing.

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Context

Audience

This exercise is used in a sophomore or junior level required course in petrology.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Students should have an understanding of basic petrology.

How the activity is situated in the course

This activity is a stand-alone exercise.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goal is to get students to understand how compositions can be plotted on a line (2 components) or a triangle (3 components).

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

This activity involves plotting and analyzing data.

Other skills goals for this activity

This activity may involve group work.

Description of the activity/assignment

This is a fairly short exercise that can be used for an in-class cooperative learning project or as homework. It includes LOTS of explanation and so is sort of a tutorial.
The goal is to get students to understand how compositions can be ploted on a line (2 components) or a triangle (3 components).
I use it in my petrology class because it works better than lecturing.

Determining whether students have met the goals

Students have met the goals of this assignment if they are able to complete the exercise accurately and completely.

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

Teaching materials and tips

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