Lab 2: Attitude Calculations and Play-Dough
One of the early exercises with the play dough is a group exercise in which students create layers and deform them, then they work with other groups to interpret them.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
How the activity is situated in the course
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
Other skills goals for this activity
Description and Teaching Materials
Handout provided that details the assignment.
Marshak and Mitra, Methods of Structural Geology, students are required to purchase for the course. The problem set comes directly from the text.
Play dough materials are part of the assignment. Instructor provides first versions of play dough, minimum three colors. Play dough is used to create structural models.
Storage containers, zippered plastic bags work adequately for a few months of play dough storage.
11x17 inch paper as a base for working with play dough.
Fine crafting wire for cutting models and creating cross-sections.
Teaching Notes and Tips
The play dough activities are free form, and tend to develop over the semester based on the needs and challenges of the students. Early on, I do a lab activity where students create "layer models" and squeeze them to deform them. They are then assigned the task of moving around the room to view, describe, and interpret the models of other groups. Afterwards, we reconvene and students present hypotheses about the formational history of each model. Model creators then reflect on the true details and we discuss the challenges and problems if any exist.
Play dough exercises are ad hoc, and assessments vary. The final lab practicum includes multiple models which students use to interpret a structural problem. The practicum is part of the final exam grade.