Binary Phase Diagram Problems

David Hirsch

WWU Geology

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

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Scientific Accuracy
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Initial Publication Date: June 12, 2006 | Reviewed: December 14, 2014 (see revision history: 3 events)

Summary

This activity features a problem set designed to make students think carefully about the link between phase diagrams and textures.

Igneous Processes | College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16)

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Context

Audience

This problem set is used for a required undergraduate Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology course.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Reading phase diagrams. Understanding the phase rule.

How the activity is situated in the course

I use this as a homework assignment after covering phase diagrams in class.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goals for this problem set are: reading phase diagrams, applying the phase rule, and predicting textures on the basis of the phase diagram for equilibrium crystallization.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Applying abstract models to understand observable textures.

Other skills goals for this activity

Description of the activity/assignment

This activity features a problem set designed to make students think carefully about the link between phase diagrams and textures.

Determining whether students have met the goals

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

Teaching materials and tips

Problem Set (Acrobat (PDF) 353kB Oct19 04)