Download polychem-2-demo.hqx (2,250,453 KB)
From: johnw@tekotago.ac.nz
Subject: Polychem2
Polychem2 is an update of the chemistry demo 'Polychem' that provides a
titration module from a comprehensive multimedia tutorial and simulation
tool. One that helps teachers and students by providing hundreds of
hours of student activity.
The software is aimed at senior high school to junior college levels,
with an emphasis on the applied nature of chemistry. Most high schools
use it for years 11 and 12.
Research has shown that the students using the software are well
motivated and enjoy using the software. They prefer the software to
traditional types of instruction and have more have fun in chemistry.
Students are on task for a longer time and have been more motivated.
This environment can be used a significant teaching tool, not just as a
supplement. Students are empowered to take more responsibility for their
own learning and can spend time learning, not just copying down notes.
The program contains notes, computer generated interactive questions and
exam questions from a large number of chemistry topics, the demo shows a
titration section. There are also many simulations of equipment and of
chemical processes. There is also an extensive section on organic
chemistry that contains notes, interactive sections, simulations
questions and nomenclature problems. There are also chemistry based
games, demonstrations and activities. A key feature is the provision of
model answers for the computer generated questions to help student
reflection and analysis.
The text notes displayed can be modified on screen, even over a network,
and printed. The text can be enlarged using the controls for use by the
teacher on a classroom projector or to benefit students with visual
impairments. Examination questions can be added and altered, and
facilities are included so that other developers can add topics and
modules. Provided the user has write privileges to a disk, then
assignment marks can be recorded as well as user names, times and dates.
Computers required are Macintosh, 16mB RAM recommended (there is also a
Windows version).The program uses 4mB of physical ram so it may run on
8mB machines if there are few memory intensive extensions. A Mac 040
would be the minimum configuration computer, with a colour 640 x 480
screen.
John Waddick
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, New Zealand
http://www.earthlight.co.nz/business/polychem