Plagioclase Phase Diagram

Dexter Perkins

University of North Dakota

This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Peer Reviewed Teaching Activities collection. (view details)

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Scientific Accuracy
Alignment of Learning Goals, Activities, and Assessments
Pedagogic Effectiveness
Robustness (usability and dependability of all components)
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Initial Publication Date: June 8, 2008 | Reviewed: October 19, 2012 (see revision history: 2 events)

Summary

This is a short exercise aimed at evaluating whether students understand how to interpret the Ab-An phase diagram.

Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria, Geology | College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16)

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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 a basic understanding of phase diagrams.

How the activity is situated in the course

This activity is a stand-alone exercise.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

This is a short exercise aimed at evaluating whether students understand how to interpret the Ab-An phase diagram. If students know what is going on, it takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

This activity involves analyzing data.

Other skills goals for this activity

This activity may involve group work.

Description of the activity/assignment

This is a short exercise aimed at evaluating whether students understand how to interpret the Ab-An phase diagram. If students know what is going on, it takes about 10 minutes to complete. This active learning exercise makes a good break from lecture. It is best done as a group activity.