The
software uses a metaphor of a chemistry department building, but
very user friendly - like all chemistry departments. In the many
"classrooms" there are user-modifiable notes, simulations,
videos and interactive questions with model answers.
The
notes can be blown up for class projection. This screen shows
one of the many types of computer generated questions. There is
also an on-demand calculator and glossary. These interactive rooms
in this multimedia chemistry software keep students on task and
motivated for longer than has been the case with traditional teacher
directed activities.
This
screen shows another of the many types of computer generated questions.
The computer's sketch answer is also shown. There is also an on-demand
calculator and glossary. These features are highly rated by students
- that's got to be saying something!
Ever
found making up tests and assignments takes time? Here you can
do it as the students walk in the door. Simply click the question
types and a unique test is generated, along with the model answers!
Amend if necessary and print. At the very least a good revision
exercise if you are away from class... you know - needing to finish
the newspaper, having a coffee...
Ever
wanted to enough ball and stick models for all students to play
with. These atoms will not gradually go missing...
This
is part of an interactive 3D environment. We don't seem to use
cauldrons much anymore!
A
very basic simulation of Millikan's oil drop experiment. Try setting
this up in real life.
Do
you want to give your students open-ended problem-solving activities
using glassware? Students select glassware and assemble. Correct
assemblies actually work! This would be a useful program to have
even on its own. Nothing is breakable!
Change gas
variables. Get students to establish the volume of an ideal gas
at STP. Now this just couldn't be done quickly in a normal lab
class.
Visualize
molecular shapes with 3D models
Interactive
thermochemistry. Give some reactants enough energy to drive them
over the activation energy barrier.
An
interactive qualitative analysis simulation activity in this multimedia
chemistry software where you attempt to determine an unknown ion
by adding reagents and observing the reactions. Far less messy
and a real advantage if done before the students undertake the
actual experiment.
There
are multiple-choice tests as part of assessment activities for
each topic. Use these, or customise with your own selection.
Another
assessment activity involving short- answer questions. All of
these can be recorded and become easy teacher-independant assessments.
A
slideshow of some examples of chemical apparatus. Basically as
useless as some of the other more expensive software I've seen!
Video can
be shown on the lab 'videoplayer'. Techniques can be shown before
they are tried in the lab.
Ever
had to spend a lot of time explaining how to balance chemical
equations? This interactive simulation enables students to gain
plenty of practice in their own time. And they learn not to try
and squeeze numbers into a formula!
An
interactive simulation that helps to use the pH meter. This type
of simulation is intended to reduce the cognitive load in the
laboratory - actually it reduces the breakages.
Ever
wished you didn't have to set, take in, mark and return assignments,
some of which may not be the student's own? In this multimedia
chemistry software, individual assignments are set, marked and
recorded by the computer. This concept has reduced the workload
so much that I don't dare mention it to my boss.
The
use of a spectrophotometer is important in many jobs. This interactive
simulation can be used if there is not one available, or to give
students some practice before they use the real thing, hours of
fun.
The
values are plotted on a graph and then can be interpreted by the
students. Saves hours of fun.
When
things are a little slow, have a game of hangman.
Satisfy
the 'shoot 'em up' set! This game will help them learn the meaning
of some chemical hazard signs. I haven't done any research on
the effectiveness of this... but who cares?
Want
students to learn chemical formulas or organic nomenclature? This
template is used for matching games that develop automatic memory
recall, (why can't we just say 'rote learning'?) We have found
it useful as a method for students to get to know each other on
the first day.
Do
you sometimes have students who have trouble visualising what
happens in an electrochemical cell? I still do!
An
animation that shows shapes of molecules and the concept of optical
isomers.
Some
of the topics in the organic chemistry section. Organic chemistry
starts at an introductory level with alkanes etc. and is aimed
at year 12 or introductory college levels. I don't know about
you, but many of our students come into the course disliking this
subject.
Do
you sometimes have students who have trouble visualizing what
happens in a buffer?
Help your
students see the 'real world' (whatever that is) of MSDS sheets.
This
is a frame from a 3 D animation. I had too much time on my hands
one weekend.
Has
testing the solubility of solids in polar and non polar solvents
has always been messy in the past? Also, those organic solvents
can be pretty nasty. There has been no problem with naked flames
around this software.
Is
it possible to teach organic chemistry in an interactive and interesting
way? Our students spent a lot of time to see how it could be done
using this multimedia chemistry software.
Teacher
time has been saved considerably with this computer managed test.
Actually the students often support each other in groups when
doing this, the social aspect of learning being an important part
of the use of this software.
The
interconversion of organic species is an activity that will keep
students gainfully employed for some time!
Why have
a syllabus? This map of the student's chemistry 'journey' through
the year has provoked much more interest.
What
multimedia chemistry software is complete without a periodic table?
Actually it has been updated since this screen shot - why don't
they stop discovering new elements??? The table also contains
data about all the elements that can be used for projects along
with a simple game.
Note that these screens only show a fraction of the program ...
Want to see more? Then Download a copy of Polychem to try it out,