Abstract: Research-based teaching is an important way for the cultivation of innovative talents. In the experimental teaching of marine geosciences, the research-based teaching model is explored and established based on the typical teaching case: “Application of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in geosciences research”. On the basis of students’ comparative study of different sample preparation methods, this method was used to solve practical scientific problems, and achieved remarkable results. It has played an effective role in improving the cognition of knowledge, experimental skills, practical ability and the cultivation of scientific spirits.