Because linear algebra is a foreign concept to many introductory structure students, I introduce the concepts alongside the excellent three-dimensional visualization capability of OSXStereonet. I decided to teach my students about stereographic projection through linear algebra. The tracing paper method provides students with some understanding of three-dimensional structural data and relationships among them (calculating an angle between planes, rotating data, etc.), but the theory behind why a plane is plotted in a particular way is obscured. I learned to plot planes as great circles and lines as points on tracing paper. This activity introduces stereographic projection in a manner different from my own undergraduate experience in structural geology. Keywords: Stereonet, OSXStereonet, Matlab, spherical, Cartesian, visualization Used this activity? Share your experiences and modifications Context Audience We simultaneously solve problems involving orientation data using OSXStereonet and MATLAB, allowing students to gain an understanding of the mathematics that OSXStereonet carries out behind the scenes while using the visualization capabilities of OSXStereonet to reinforce the three-dimensional concepts.
Simultaneously, I teach students transformation of orientation data between spherical coordinates and Cartesian coordinates, using MATLAB functions to carry out the conversions. Rather than teaching my students about stereonets using tracing paper and pushpins, I use the newest version of Rick Allmendinger and Néstor Cardozo's OSXStereonet program, which includes elegant, interactive three-dimensional view options. Īnalyzing three-dimensional orientation data using a stereonet is an important component of any structural geology course, ideally helping students to visualize structural geometry and serving as a springboard for more advanced topics such as fault and fold kinematics. This activity was selected for the On the Cutting Edge Reviewed Teaching Collectionįor more information about the peer review process itself, please see. Completeness of the ActivitySheet web pageįor more information about the peer review process itself, please see.Robustness (usability and dependability of all components).Alignment of Learning Goals, Activities, and Assessments.
Computational, Quantitative, and Scientific Accuracy.The five categories included in the process are
This activity has received positive reviews in a peer review process involving five review categories. This activity was selected for the Teaching Computation in the Sciences Using MATLAB Peer Reviewed Teaching Collection
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