Chemistry Navigator
John C. Kotz and Susan Young SUNY College at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY 13820
Note:	This program is out of print. See Periodic Table Live!, SP 17.
Chemistry Navigator is a hyperbook--a database of information in the form of descriptive text, numerical values of properties, full color photos of chemicals and reactions, three-dimensional molecular structures, QuickTime (1) 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 Table Videodisc (2). Chemistry Navigator was developed using HyperCard (3). It 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 are 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. 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 the reactions of the element on the Periodic Table Videodisc and to other sections of Chemistry Navigator. Several cards contain structural information about the element and some of its common compounds. Descriptions of these structures as well as structure models accurately depicted using images generated by CAChe (4) are provided. In some cases QuickTime animations of molecular motions are available as well as animated sequences showing the construction of simple crystals. Opening screen from "About the Elements" in Chemistry Navigator. 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. A photo 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. It provides insights into the process of scientific discovery, the personalities of scientists, and the interactions of science and society. Picture of Joseph Priestly from "Portraits of Chemists" in Chemistry Navigator. Periodic Table Videodisc The Periodic Table Videodisc is a visual database of information about the chemical elements that has been published separately from Chemistry Navigator and is not included as 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 sequences showing those reactions are available on the videodisc. Visual information from the Periodic Table Videodisc is accessed via hypertext links in "About the Elements", seamlessly linking visual and textual information. Frame from video sequence showing strontium burning, from Periodic Table Videodisc. Click image to view video (380 KB). Hardware and Software Requirements Chemistry Navigator requires an Apple Macintosh computer (Macintosh II or higher) with 4 MB RAM (at least 5 MB RAM is recommended), a hard disk drive (with 15 MB of free space, not including the space required for HyperCard), and an 800K or SuperDrive floppy disk drive to install the software. A color monitor is not strictly required but is highly recommended. HyperCard or HyperCard Player version 2.1 or later and System Software version 6.0.7 or later (System 7 is recommended) is required. To use Chemistry Navigator with the Periodic Table Videodisc requires a compatible Level III, CAV video laserdisc player with the proper cable connection. Supported players include the Pioneer LD-V2200, LD-V4200, LD-V4400, LD-V8000, and compatibles; Pioneer LD-V6000A series (LD-V6000A, LD-V6010A, and LD-V6020A); and Sony LDP-1200, LDP-1500, LDP-2000 series. Other video laserdisc players may be compatible with the computer commands used by one of the players listed above; these should also work, but it is essential that you check with your supplier for compatibility information before buying a videodisc player. A special cable will be required to connect a videodisc player to your computer; consult with your videodisc player supplier to obtain the proper cable. Chemistry Navigator is compatible with System 7. Literature Cited QuickTime, Apple Computer, Inc., 20525 Mariani Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014-6299. "Periodic Table Videodisc", J. Chem. Educ.: Software, Special Issue 1, 1989. Abstract appeared: J. Chem. Educ., 1989 66, 19-20. HyperCard is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. licensed to Claris Corporation, Santa Clara, CA 95052. CAChe, CAChe Scientific, 18700 N. W. Walker Rd., Bldg. 92-01, Beaverton, OR 97006, 1-800-544-6634.

First Published: January 1995

Citation: Kotz, J. C.; Young, S. Chemistry Navigator J. Chem. Educ. Software 6C2

Keywords: Lecture Aid; Computer Room; Instructor; High School; General; Inorganic; Periodic table; History of chemistry; Minerals; Periodic trends

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