Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 4:21 PM
Helpful Chem Resource for Intro and Reinforcement
This SciGuide provides a multitude of links relating to atoms, matter, and chemical reactions. It is organized into three major themes: 1) Interactions of Matter, 2) Descriptions of Matter, and 3) Classifications of Matter. Material is offered for topics such as rates of reactions, types of reactions, types of bonds, acids and bases, mixtures vs. pure substances, and the periodic table. It may require a bit of time for you (the instructor) to follow links and find ones that are especially applicable to your classroom, but there are useful applets and tutorials available. I like the web-based balancing chemical equations activities -- tons of practice problems are given and can be scored online immediately. I also like the Virtual Lab -- you can mix different reagents and monitor temperature change, molarity, and pH.
This SciPack would best be utilized as a means of introduction to chemistry/physical science topics because general definitions and descriptions are given. The tutorials could then be used for students to review and reinforce what they have learned. For most of the topics, student samples and/or many examples of practice problems are provided.