Magmatic Differentiation

Tasha Dunn
,
Illinois State University
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Summary

This activity is designed to faciliate student learning of magmatic differentiation processes. In groups students design a model for demonstrating one of these processes and present their model to the class, along with an explaination of how the process works.

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Context

Audience

This is a required undergraduate course in igneous and metamorphic petrology.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

- properties of magama
- igneous textures
- magma generation

How the activity is situated in the course

This activity is divided among two class periods. The groups develop their model during the first period and then all groups present their models during the second class period.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goals are to understand the various types of magmatic processes.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

- synthesis of ideas
- creative thinking

Other skills goals for this activity

- working in groups
- oral presentation

Description of the activity/assignment

In this activity students will examine magmatic differentiation processes using various items that I have provided. In groups they will use these random objects to design a model that can be used to demonstrate one of the magmatic differentiation processes. Each group will present their model, along with an explaination of the process, to the class. Students have one class period to prepare their models and explanations of the differentiation process assigned to them. They present these during the next class period.

Determining whether students have met the goals

Each group is evaluated on their model design and on their oral presentation of the material.

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Teaching materials and tips

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