This resource collection provides information on how to incorporate crystal structure databases and 3-D visualization software into undergraduate mineralogy courses. Features include background information for teachers on how to teach with data, models, and visualizations; commentary on the benefits of physical versus virtual models; and a set of links to online crystal structure databases. There are also links to visualization software, tutorials, and example exercises and activities.
Type of Material:
Reference Material
Recommended Uses:
This site offers a way to integrate research into education, and also a way to use crystal structure databases and visualization software to enhance the teaching of crystallography
in-class, individual, homework, self-paced
Technical Requirements:
internet browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
As stated on the site:
"This site will help college-level educators
to appreciate the benefits and challenges of using crystal structure databases in their mineralogy courses
to locate potentially-useful crystal structure databases, highlighting differing strengths, features, ease of use, and potential educational applications
to download, contribute, and comment on examples of how crystal structure databases can be applied in educational settings and activities (e.g., lectures, problem sets, in-class exercises, lab exercises, student research projects, etc.)
This site will enable undergraduate and graduate students
to locate and navigate crystal structure databases and visualization software, as well as evaluate, screen, and manipulate various types of data available from these sites, many of which were not originally designed with student needs and abilities in mind
Finally, this site will motivate database and software developers
to consider and plan for educational applications and requirements as they continue to develop crystallography databases and software"
Target Student Population:
College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Some chemistry or geology knowledge is required.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The instructional modules included offer thematic collections of resources on topics of interest. The tutorials on how to access geoscience databases, and examples of how digital libraries offer an effective way to aggregate resources.
Focus is to help instructors use a variety of data (for example visual or graphs) to aid learner grasping the science concept being covered.
Concerns:
none
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
A guide for instructors looking for alternative approaches. Plenty of resources offer learner varying avenues of presentation. Teaching with Data resources are very helpful for teachers who are new to this mode of instruction.
Concerns:
none
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The navigation menu is descriptive and fosters easy movement through the various materials. Subtopics also contain navigation links for previous and next page movements.
The tutorial supporting the visualization programs for imaging and manipulating crystal structures are very helpful.
Concerns:
none
Creative Commons:
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