This guide instructs teachers in classroom use of the MELTS software package. MELTS is a software package designed to facilitate thermodynamic modeling of phase equilibria in magmatic systems. It is used by scientists to model igneous processes such as the composition of magma melts as pressure and temperature change, or to test scenarios such as how much sulfur a volcano gives off. Teaching topics include: mineralogy and thermodynamics, the mineral composition and properties of igneous rocks, and compositional variations in Earth's mantle and crustal materials. Students will learn to interpret phase diagrams; understand how melting can drive compositional changes in mantle and crustal rocks; use forward modelling to examine crystal fractionation and equilibrium crystallization; and perform experiments on a computer using compositional data from scientific literature. There is a link to the MELTS website with instructions for using the tool, links to scientific and educational resources that use the tool, and instructions for citing its use.
Type of Material:
Reference Material
Recommended Uses:
MELTS can be used in STEM education, advanced technological education, workforce development, or other types of technician training.
in-class, homework, individual, self-paced
Technical Requirements:
A browser with the following: Version: Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer 5.1 (or later) Java enabled No firewall Alternatively, Mac OS X and Unix versions can be downloaded for standalone use.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
According to the website, educators and leaners can use MELTS tools to develop skills in petrology and geochemistry topics such as minerology, thermodynamics, mineral and rock composition, and composition of Earth's crust and mantle.
Target Student Population:
This tool can be used by geochemistry and petrology teachers and students.
College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
A background in chemistry is required
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
MELTS can be used to test diverse scenarios ranging from examining how much sulfur a volcanoes gives off, which has implications to climate change, to understanding and predicting how the Earth melts.
Concerns:
As with any software, error messages can occur with use. This is covered in the samples and user manual provided to aid the user.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This tool can be used to teach the following topics and skills in petrology and geochemistry: Topics: Mineralogy Thermodynamics Mineral composition and properties of igneous rocks (including plutonic and volcanic rocks) Composition of materials and compositional variation Composition of the Earth's mantle and crust Skills: Interpreting phase diagrams Understanding how melting can drive compositional changes in the materials making up the Earth's crust and mantle Using forward modelling to examine crystal fractionation Using forward modelling to examine equilibrium crystallization Performing experiments on a computer using compositional data from scientific literature Using modelling to understand how temperature, pressure, and oxidation states of a system impact the crystallization of igneous rocks Understanding how subltle variations in mineral content, including presence of water, can impact modelling scenarios of material compositional changes (eg. the fractionation of basalt into rhiolite)
Learners can run scenarios to model possible changes to climate, impact of volcanic eruptions or other topics.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
There is a user guide and technical support available for MELTS. There are also software error troubleshooting examples.
Concerns:
Java is sometimes very difficult to manage because of its securty requirements
Creative Commons:
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