ically shifts to the element the word was used to describe. (In Figure 3 a search had already been done for Priestley, which was found in the description of nitrogen.) Optional Features The Chart button allows you to generate graphs from the numeric data and to sort these data according to increasing numeric value. Any physical or atomic property can be graphed on either the x or t h e y axis. Charting is done using Microsoft Excel, which i s not supplied with this issue; if you do not have Excel, the Chart button will not appear. A sample graph is shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4.Graph of atomic volume versus atomic number created by the charting module (optional). The Video button enables users with an IBM M-Motion videoadapter t o play video from t h e Periodic Table Videodisc ( 2 )i n the box a t the lower left of the screen. For lecture presentations and to make details visible, the video window can be expanded to full screen. While video is heing played, a set of control buttons allow stopping, hacking up, slow motion, and replaying. If an IBM M-Motion video adapter is not present, the video button will not appear. Periodic Table Videodisc The Periodic Table Videodisc is a visual database of information about the elements t h a t has been published separately and is not included a s part of The Illustrated
Periodic Table. For most elements the visual database includes a view of the element itself and videos of common products or materials that contain the element. For most elements that react with air, water, acids, or base, video sequences showing those reactions are availahle on the disc. Video is available either through the video button or via hot word in the hypertext. Figure 5 shows an example.
About This lssue John W. Moore Jon L. Holmes University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison. WI 53706 How to Use This Program The Illustrated Periodic Table can be used effectively in introductory chemistry classes as a visual demonstration aid, particularly when discussing descriptive chemistry or structural chemistry. I t is a convenient way to display video sequences from the Periodic Table Videodisc. In addition, students can use it a s a reference from which to find information on individual elements that can be used when writing papers or to answer questions posed by their instructor. Several sample exercises for students to carry out are included in the written documentation. High school or college students who have been assigned to choose a n element and write or report orally on it will find The Illustrated Periodic Table to be a n excellent resource. Hardware and Software Requirements Software in Series D of JCE: Software requires Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or later and associated hardware as defined by Microsoft. We recommend a n IBM-PC or compatible computer with a n 80386 or higher processor, a minimum of 4 MB of memory, a hard disk, one 3.5-in. floppy disk drive to install the software, a mouse, and a Windows-compatible graphics card (such a s a VGA or a SVGA adapter) with a compatible color monitor. DOS version 5.0 or later is highly recommended. In addition to the hardware and software recommended above, the charting feature of The Illustrated Periodic Table requires Microsoft Excel for Windows version 4.0 or greater. To display video directly on a monitor requires that an IBM M-Motion video adapter and associated software be installed in the computer. Installation of The Illustrated Periodic Table requires about 15 MB of hard disk space. Citations 1. Feng, Aw: Moore. J. W.:Harwood. W:Gayhalt, R. "KC? Dincovere? J. Chem. Educ.: Soflluarp 1988 IB I l l . Cabmi. D.: Moore. J. W.; Rittenhouse. R. C. "KC'? Dirmverer unfh Knowledgeable Counselor'J Chrm. Educ. SoJiu,are, Special Issue 2. 1992. 2. "Periodic Table Yldoedisc'. J. Chem Edsc.: SoEiicmre. Soeeial Issue 1. 1989. Abstract appeared: J C k e m Educ, 1989 66.19-20.
To Order This Issue
Figure 5. Frame from video sequence showing strontium burning, from Periodic Tabie Videodisc.
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Journal of Chemical Education
Journal of Chemical Education: Soffware (often called JCE: Soffware) is a publication of the Journal of Chemical Education. There is an Order Form card inserted in this issue lor the program described above as well as for general information.If this card is not available,contact: JCE: Software, University of Wisconsin-Madison.Department of Chemistry, 1101 University Avenue. Madison, WI 53706-1396; phone: 6081262-5153; FAX: 6081262-0381; e-mail:
[email protected].
