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SIRs: Simulations and Interactive Resources for Windows
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John S. Martin Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
SIRs are a set of illustrations, simulations, and animations of chemical phenomena. They are designed to be used in class by the instructor with a projection monitor or large screen and are very legible at 800 × 600 pixel resolution. Nearly all presentations are graphic; there is very little text. These SIRs are an enhanced version of the ones previously published in JCE Software (1). SIRs are sufficiently intuitive that the instructor may concentrate on the chemistry and his or her presentation rather than operating the computer. SIRs are completely under the control of the instructor and may be brought into a presentation spontaneously as the occasion arises. They will support almost any reasonable pedagogical approach. They are particularly well adapted to interactive instruction. The instructor may ask the students (or the students may ask) “What do you think would
happen if…” , then after some discussion, the computer provides an animation that suggests the answer. Context-sensitive help is available on-screen at all times. It is quite possible to learn all about a SIR by using the help. Although SIRs are designed for instructors, students can benefit by reviewing SIRs used in class. There are twenty-four SIRs, organized by general topics: Atomic Structure and Periodic Properties, Phase Equilibrium and Gases, Chemical Thermodynamics, Reactions and Equilibrium, Acid–Base Equilibrium, Redox and Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, and Mathematical Review. Literature Cited 1. Martin, J. S. SIRs: Simulations and Interactive Resources, III; J. Chem. Educ. Software 1996, 9B2.
JChemEd.chem.wisc.edu • Vol. 79 No. 5 May 2002 • Journal of Chemical Education
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