Structure and Properties of Matter (9 - 12)

* Atoms interact with one another by transferring or sharing electrons.   * An element is composed of a single type of atom.  * Bonds between atoms are created when electrons are transferred or shared.   * The physical properties of compounds reflect the nature of the interactions among its molecules.   * Solids, liquids, and gases differ in distances between molecules & atoms and the energy that binds them together.   * Carbon atoms can bond to one another in chains and rings to form a variety of structures, including the large molecules of life. (NSES, 1996)

This incredible learning tool is called States of Matter and comes to us from the incomparable web site called PhET. Watch different types of molecules form a solid, liquid, or gas. Add or remove heat and watch the phase change. Change the temperature or volume of a container and see a pressure-temperature diagram respond in real time. Relate the interaction potential to the forces between molecules. A great learning tool! Thanks to all at PhET.

This "learning tool" is called WebElements. There are lots of periodic charts out on the web, but this one is one of the best. ScientificAmerican.com has selected the WebElements web site as a winner of the 2002 Sci/Tech Web Awards.

The name of this learning tool is called Gas Properties. This is a Java applet, just click RUN NOW to start. Pump gas molecules to a box and see what happens as you change the volume, add or remove heat, change gravity, and more. Measure the temperature and pressure, and discover how the properties of the gas vary in relation to each other.  This tool is brought to us by The PhET Project and made possible by the Kavli Operating Institute.

The Chemistry Collective is a collection of virtual labs, scenario-based learning activities, and concepts tests which can be incorporated into a variety of teaching approaches as pre-labs, alternatives to textbook homework, and in-class activities for individuals or teams. It is organized by a group of faculty and staff at Carnegie Mellon University for college and high school teachers. 

This elegant and conceptually clear "learning tool" is called Gas Law Animation. Within a closed container students can adjust pressure, volume, and temperature. They can also increase and decrease the number of Helium and Neon atoms that enter the container. Make sure you click on the "click here" button for a great pdf that describes the instructions and more! Developed by Dr. John Gelder at the Department of Chemistry at Oklahoma State University.

Just click the element you want to start with and then click one that will bond with it, the name of this "learning tool" is called Bonding. This textured and elegant demonstration is brought to us by the Department of Chemistry at Iowa State University.

With this "learning tool" students can learn to use the Element Builder. One of the most innovative science education companies is Explorelearning.com, they call their simulations, Gizmos. They are a subscription site , but they allow you to see this Gizmo for 5 minutes.   Shockwave is required. 

With  this "learning tool" you can see how the volume of a container of gas is affected by changes in number of gas particles, velocity, and atmospheric pressure. The name is Molecular Model for an Ideal Gas and comes to us from H Wang. This is a java applet.

This simple and elegant learning tool is called Boyle's Law. Just press your space bar and drag the plunger to see the relationship between volume and pressure. The interactive creates a data table automatically and students can choose to test air, hydrogen, helium, or oxygen. This fun interactive was created by Thomas Greenbowe at Iowa State University.