JOURNRL OF
Chemical Education: Softwore Abstract for Volume 6C, Number 2 Chemistry Navigator John C. Kotz Susan Young
SUNY College at Oneonta Oneonta. NY 13820 Chemistry Navigator is a hyperhook-a database of information in the form of descriptive text, numerical values of ~roperties,full color photos of chemicals and reactions, threedimensional molecular structures, QuickTime ( I )animations of structural features, and graphs showing periodic trends, relative elemental abundances, and other properties. Chemistry Navigator also provides easy access to the images and video of the Periodic Tahle Xdeodisc (2).Chemistry Navigator was developed using HyperCard (3). I t has two main chapters. "About the Elements" describes individual elements, common compounds and molecules, and their structures. "Portraits of Chemists" is a chapter on important figures in the history of chemistry. These chapters a r e seamlessly linked via hypertext and a main table of contents so that these aspects of chemistry can be explored according to each student's individual interests.
Portraits of Chemists
This chapter, which is linked to "About the Elements," gives brief biographies of about 40 men and women who played key roles in the history of chemistry, particularly in the discovery of the elements. Aphoto or drawing of each is included. This material is designed to incorporate some of the human side of science, complementing the overview of the chemical elements provided in the other chapter. I t provides insights into the process of scientific discovery, the personalities of scientists, and the interactions of science and society.
About the Elements
Each element has a card that contains information about its properties, its common compounds and uses, and the history of its discovery The text on each card is linked to t h e reactions of t h e element on t h e Periodic Tahle Videodisc and to other sections of Chemistry Navigator. Several cards contain structural information about the element and some of its common compounds. Descriptions of tht:it, structures a s well as structure models nrcunitt~lydl!~ ~ c t usinc e d imaces ernerared bv ('.ZCh(! t.11 are provided. i n some cases ~u&k%rneanimations ofmolecu~aEmotions are available a s well as animated sequences showing the construction of simple crystals.
Opening screen from "About the Elements" in Chemistry Navigator.
Picture of Joseph Prestley from "Portrallsof Chemsts" in Chemistry Navigator. Periodic Table Videodisc
The Periodic Tahle Videodisc is a visual database of information about the chemical elements that has been puhlished separately from Chemistry Navigator and is not included a s part of this issue. For most elements the visual database includes a view of the,element itself and views of common products or materials that contain the element. For most elements that react with air, water, acids, or base, video seauences showine those reactions are available on the vidtv;diic. Visual ini&n.~tlonfrom the Periodic Ikble \ . ~ e l t r xlinki r in " A l ~ ~the u t El*!Vldcodlic is accessed via h". ments", seamlessly linking visual and textual information.
Frame from video sequence showing strontium burning, from Periodic Table Videodisc. Volume 71 Number 11 November 1994
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