Integrating XRD Analysis into the Undergraduate Earth Sciences Curriculum at San Diego State University

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A modern XRD instrument that is user-friendly, resilient, allows sophomore students to engage actively in elementary research projects in mineralogy and petrology and is enabling the Department of Geological Sciences at San Diego State University to revise its sophomore-level curriculum to include more opportunities for hands-on, inquiry based, activities. Research experiences are being introduced at this level, and students are being taught how to formulate testable hypotheses, construct relevant experiments, analyze results, and present conclusions through written and/or oral reports. In addition, the XRD is enhancing the department's existing program of outreach to public school teachers and students. This project is an adaptation of Professor Wendy Bohrson's NSF funded program at Central Washington University.