SSBW - Python Tutorial 2: NumPy and Matplotlib modules

Mike Brudzinski, Miami University-Oxford

Initial Publication Date: August 18, 2021

Summary

In this interactive tutorial built for a learning management system, students 1) practice using the basic syntax of Python command line and scripts, 2) use the functionality of the NumPy module to create arrays and manipulate them, 3) use arrays to store trigonometric wave functions, 4) use Matplotlib module and pyplot functions to make plots of these functions, and 5) evaluate how changes in wave amplitude, frequency, period, or type influence the results.

Seismology | College Upper (15-16)

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Context

Audience

The IRIS Seismology Skill Building Workshop (SSBW), which is a free, online, open-access, large-enrollment, 12-week summer workshop for upper level undergraduates.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

This assignment builds on prior experience using a Linux command line environment, Python syntax, variables, and print functions, along with the ability to retrieve relevant information about programming and seismology from internet research or help pages.

How the activity is situated in the course

This is assignment number 26 of 35 in the Seismology Skill Building Workshop (SSBW).

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

Proficiency with Python, NumPy, arrays, Matplotlib, and wave concepts.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Retrieving relevant information from digital sources to accomplish tasks, using correct programming syntax, evaluating and describing computing output in the context of science concepts.

Other skills goals for this activity

Description and Teaching Materials

Students will:
1. Use NumPy to create and use arrays in Python
2. Calculate the seismic energy release from an array of earthquake magnitudes
3. Create a Python script with NumPy used to store a sin and tan wave function in arrays
4. Use Matplotlib pyplot functions to plot the stored sin and tan waves
5. Manipulate the waves by adjusting script variables for the frequency and amplitude
6. Adjust the plotting parameters to tailor the plot

Show Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes (with corresponding Question #s that address them):

Use Linux system commands to create and navigate directories, execute code, create files, and examine files (Q1, 10, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29)
Retrieve relevant information about programming and seismology from internet research or help pages (Q2, 3, 4, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19)
Load appropriate modules for extending the functionality of the Python environment (Q2, 10, 12)
Use the NumPy module (Q2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 14, 15, 26, 28)
Use correct syntax associated with Python (Q2, 4, 5, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
Recognize how to use the Python command line versus running a Python script (Q3, 10, 13, 20, 23)
Use arrays and indexing in Python (Q3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 26)
Use variables in Python (Q4, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 24, 26, 28)
Use the print command to create output from Python (Q5, 9)
Evaluate and describe the output of a Python program (Q6, 7, 9, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29)
Perform mathematical calculations using Python (Q8, 9, 16, 28)
Calculate the energy release from an earthquake using the magnitude (Q8, 9)
Convert units (Joules to equivalent tons of TNT; seconds to days) (Q8, 9)
Use the matplotlib module and pyplot functions (plot, show) (Q11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 25, 27, 29)
Use comments in Python (Q13)
Evaluate how changes in wave amplitude, frequency, period, or type influence the result (Q13, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29)
Use other NumPy functions to create arrays (arange, sin, tan) (Q14, 15, 16, 26, 28)
Adjust the plotting parameters to tailor the plot (xlabel, ylabel) (Q18)

GIFT format file for SSBW Python Tutorial 2 -- educator-only file

Teaching Notes and Tips

This assignment was constructed in the Moodle learning management system, and has been exported in the GIFT format. More information about the syntax of this format can be found here: https://docs.moodle.org/en/GIFT_format

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Assessment

This assignment is automatically graded by the learning management system. The number of questions of each type used are:
17 multiple choice questions
3 multiple answer question
1 true/false question
8 numeric questions (number and magnitude of earthquakes, sampling interval, rate, frequency)
7 short answer (auto-graded) question

References and Resources

During the Seismology Skill Building Workshop, students are provided with a virtual Linux machine that was tailored to include the software specifically needed to complete the assignments. This software is all freely available on the internet, but interested parties are encouraged to contact the instructor for access to this tailored virtual machine.

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