Each student independently researches a major ancient or active regional fault, which …
Each student independently researches a major ancient or active regional fault, which she/he has selected from a list provided by the instructor. Each student prepares text and figures that present location, geologic column, map and cross-sectional characteristics, kinematics, mechanics, and plate tectonic significance. Students present results in a poster session to classmates, teaching assistants, instructor, and guests (e.g., other faculty and students).
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This exercise is designed to help students understand relationships among external morphology …
This exercise is designed to help students understand relationships among external morphology of crystals (their shape and faces), internal structure (unit cell shape, edge measurements, and volume), Hermann-Mauguin notation for the 32 crystal classes, and Miller Indices of forms and faces.
The example and four crystal measurement problems have been drawn using the computer program SHAPE (see both Brock and Velbel, this volume). Both a single drawing and stereo pair are given for each problem. The stereo pair drawings can be used with the normal stereoscope used to read air photographs. The interfacial angles were calculated by the SHAPE program. If you have access to SHAPE you can design other crystal problems or have students generate the crystal drawing on the computer and then make the calculations ask for in this exercise.
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This exercise is based on the recent formulation of a geobarometer based …
This exercise is based on the recent formulation of a geobarometer based on the crystal structure of clinopyroxene (Nimis, 1995; 1998; 1999). This method relates structural parameters (e.g., the volumes of the unit cell and the M1 polyhedron) to the pressure at which the mineral crystallizes within basic and ultrabasic magmas.
students are guided into the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database to retrieve and download published crystal structure data for viewing in either the CrystalMaker or Xtaldraw visualization software packages. students are instructed on how to examine the structures to determine pressure-sensitive crystallographic parameters students are then asked a series of questions related to what they learn.
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This lab gives students the opportunity to investigate crystallization processes and textures. …
This lab gives students the opportunity to investigate crystallization processes and textures. Students experiment with a crystalline wax, studying how/where the crystals form, how to get crystal-free material, and how different cooling rates affect crystal size and distribution. Students can even create their own pillow lavas and flow/cooling textures. The experiments also provide an opportunity to clarify the idea of quenching for students. Once students understand quenching, they have an easier time completing the included exercise which involves looking a binary eutectic phase diagram and the modal abundances of glass and crystals in a real sample. The phase diagram and modal information are used to determine a melting/quenching history and composition for a historical sample of metallurgical slag.
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In this exercise, students use major-element compositions of whole-rocks, volcanic glasses, and …
In this exercise, students use major-element compositions of whole-rocks, volcanic glasses, and minerals in lavas and drill cores from the solidified Kilauea Iki lava lake. The data is presented in the form of a "precompiled" spreadsheet which contains selected analyses culled from the GEOROC database and a USGS Open File report. Students make graphs from the data to learn about the petrologic processes related to the eruption and in situ crystallization of basaltic magma
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In this exercise, students use major-element compositions of whole-rocks, volcanic glasses, and …
In this exercise, students use major-element compositions of whole-rocks, volcanic glasses, and minerals in lavas and drill cores from the solidified Kilauea Iki lava lake. The data is presented in the form of a "precompiled" spreadsheet which contains selected analyses culled from the GEOROC database and a USGS Open File report. Students make graphs from the data to learn about the petrologic processes related to the eruption and in situ crystallization of basaltic magma.
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This short exercise introduces students to phase diagrams that have a eutectic …
This short exercise introduces students to phase diagrams that have a eutectic and a peritectic. After learning about such phase diagrams, students answer questions about melt composition, temperature, cooling and melting, crystalization, and melt:crystal ratios.
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In this laboratory exercise students explore the crystallization behavior of a rock …
In this laboratory exercise students explore the crystallization behavior of a rock of known composition at 1 atmosphere pressure using experimental and numerical methods and phase diagrams. They also create and use diagrams to classify their igneous rock and identify its tectonic setting. They compare results of the three methods, and then give a presentation of their results to the class.
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This activity helps students understand how geoscientists study the Earth below our …
This activity helps students understand how geoscientists study the Earth below our feet through drilling. Using a large straw as a "drill", students collect samples through different parts of the specially layered cupcake and keep a "log" of the drill core. By defining different colored cake and filling, they can reconstruct what the interior of the cupcake may look like. Students gain an appreciation for the challenges of determining a plausible geologic interpretation with limited data.
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For this two-part assignment, students first locate two substantial current events articles …
For this two-part assignment, students first locate two substantial current events articles on geology-related topics from mainstream newspaper or magazine. The instructor assesses the articles, making sure that basic criteria have been met, and assigns one article for the student to share with the class in an informal 3-5 minute presentation.
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To prepare to these labs, students will attend discussions on describing the …
To prepare to these labs, students will attend discussions on describing the geometry of geological structures, strain analysis and geological cross-sections.
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This online interactive module of 10 pages or frames integrates textual information, …
This online interactive module of 10 pages or frames integrates textual information, 3D molecular models, interactive molecular simulations, and embedded assessment items to guide students in understanding the copying of DNA base sequences from translation to transcription into proteins within each cell. The module divides the exercises in to Day 1 and Day 2 time frames. Teachers can view student assessment responses by assigning the module within a class created within the Molecular Workbench application. This Java-based module must be downloaded to each computer.
Students learn how the process of soil solarization is used to pasteurize …
Students learn how the process of soil solarization is used to pasteurize agricultural fields before planting crops. Soil solarization is a pest control technique in agriculture that uses the sun’s radiation to heat the soil and eliminate unwanted pests that could harm the crops. The approach is compared to other pest control methods such as fumigation and herbicide application, highlighting the respective benefits and drawbacks. In preparation for the associated hands-on activity on soil biosolarization, students learn how changing the variables involved in the solarizing process (such as the tarp material, soil water content and addition of organic matter) impacts the technique’s effectiveness. A PowerPoint® presentation and pre/post-quiz is provided.
Students use a JAVA interface design by R.M. MacKay to explore the …
Students use a JAVA interface design by R.M. MacKay to explore the Daisy World model. The JAVA interface comes with a link to a 6-page student activity page in PDF format.
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After constructing a Stella model of Daisyworld students perform guided experiments to …
After constructing a Stella model of Daisyworld students perform guided experiments to explore the behavior of Daisyworld to changes in model parameters and assumptions.
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Student must synthesize the data that go into the construction and operation …
Student must synthesize the data that go into the construction and operation of a large hydroelectric dam. Students must strive to develop a design that minimizes or mitigates the impacts of the dam on the existing watershed. Students divide the analysis and frequently present to each other their findings. These findings are then synthesized into independent reports produced by each student. Designed for a geomorphology course Uses online and/or real-time data Uses geomorphology to solve problems in other fields Addresses student misconceptions
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The dark reactions of photosynthesis (Calvin Cycle) are presented in this learning …
The dark reactions of photosynthesis (Calvin Cycle) are presented in this learning experience to show where these processes take place in the plant as well as the specific reactions involved.
Students choose one of four short articles to read about mineral mining, …
Students choose one of four short articles to read about mineral mining, including the impacts of mining on the Native American community in the region. Each article highlights a specific example where the Indigenous community's interests are in conflict with the mining company's interests. After reading one of the articles, students post a short reflection to a discussion board, then respond to at least one classmate's reflection.
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To prepare for this assignment, the students read the Chapter 17 "Galapagos …
To prepare for this assignment, the students read the Chapter 17 "Galapagos Archipelago" from The Voyage of the Beagle. In class we have discussed Darwin's theory of evolution as outlined in the first edition of the Origin of Species. The students need to examine Chapter 17 to find those observations that Darwin made in 1835 that support the his theory of evolution that was published 24 years later in 1859.
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In Jigsaw format, groups of 3 students divide up and each collects …
In Jigsaw format, groups of 3 students divide up and each collects topographic data for a small landform using a different technique (tape and level; handheld GPS; Total Station). When they re-group they compare data quantity and quality using spreadsheets and a mapping program. They write a group report comparing the strengths and weaknesses of the three methods. Designed for a geomorphology course Addresses student fear of quantitative aspect and/or inadequate quantitative skills Addresses student misconceptions
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