Tutorials for Chemistry

Reviewer: John Rust (Teacher)
St. Malachy's Boys' School
Dundalk, Ireland
EMail: jrust.ias@tinet.ie

Software: Tutorials for Chemistry from Bill Fraher
http://members.aol.com/ChemSample/index.htm
The website contains a free download with some tutorials, plus the mail and email address of Mr. Fraher in the UK.
Mimimum System Requirements
Windows: 3.1 or higher. 486 Processor, 8Mb RAM, 8Mb free hard drive space, 8 bit 256 colour display, with a minimum screen resolution of 640 x 480.
The program was reviewed on a 266 Mhz laptop with 32Mb RAM and an assortment of other machines ranging from 486's to PII's.
Date reviewed: March & April, 1999
Price: The general course is $39.95, 10 user licensee $150.00.

Primarily this program is designed as an interactive tutorial for students in the United Kingdom who are studying Chemistry. However, with great foresight, the author has included an entire section that is suited to any 13 - 17 year old pupil who has a good understanding of English and who can also use a mouse.

The program presents each topic in a straightforward and easy to follow presentation. The user interface is smooth and delightfully simple to use. Each topic also has an accompanying 'Quiz' section that tests the pupils grasp of the topic at the end. Some topics include, The Periodic Table, Metals, Compounds, Titration's and Electrolysis.

A group of students who had never heard of 'Chemistry' were used to test the software over a two-month time frame. They found the program very informative and very easy to follow. However it did require a great deal of memory work on their part and constant revision was necessary.

This is a serious program with very concrete educational content, something, which is not often too obvious in some educational software. If you're a teacher looking for a program to improve your own chemistry skills or a parent/teacher who wishes to get their hands on a chemistry program, then this one is for you.

Is this a 'Way Cool' program? You bet! 10 out of 10. Way Cool!

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