ConcepTest: Divergent Boundary Sketch
This material was originally created for
Starting Point:Introductory Geology and is replicated here as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service.
Question:
The figure below was drawn by a student to show the relationship between earthquake epicenters (filled circles) and a divergent plate boundary (red line). The figure represents a boundary between two oceanic plates. The size of the filled circle indicates the earthquake magnitude. What would be the best advice you could give to the student to improve the figure? This figure would best be improved if
a. the figure was redrawn to replace the small magnitude earthquakes and with medium and large magnitude earthquakes.b. the figure was redrawn to replace the medium magnitude earthquakes and with small and large magnitude earthquakes.
c. the figure was redrawn to replace the large magnitude earthquakes and with small and medium magnitude earthquakes.
Student Responses:
No data yet.
If you would like to help acquire more Before and After statistics for this example, please contact the authors (see link at top of page).
References and Notes:
The use of ConcepTests and Peer Instruction is discussed in detail on the ConcepTest page.
McConnell, D.A., Steer, D.N. and Owens, K.A., 2003, Assessment and Active Learning Strategies for Introductory Geology Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, 51(2), 205-216.
McConnell, D.A., Steer et al., 2006, Using Conceptests to Assess and Improve Student Conceptual Understanding in Introductory Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, (54(1), 61-68.