Chemistry Navigator Upgrade

John C. Kotz and Susan Young
Department of Chemistry, SUNY College at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY 13820

Note:
This issue is out of print.

Chemistry Navigator is a hyperbook database of information in the form of descriptive text, numerical values of properties, full-color photos of chemicals and reactions, three-dimensional molecular structures, animations of structural features, and graphs showing periodic trends, relative elemental abundances, and other properties. It has been upgraded to access images and video from the Periodic Table CD. Chemistry Navigator has two main chapters. "About the Elements" describes individual elements, their common compounds and molecules, and their structures. It contains hypertext links to the visual information of the Periodic Table CD. "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
Chemistry Navigator contains information about the properties, common compounds and uses, and history of the discovery of each element. The text is linked to the reactions of the element from the Periodic Table CD and to other sections of Chemistry Navigator. Structural information about several elements and some of their common compounds is also contained in the text. Descriptions of these structures as well as accurate structure models generated by CAChe Scientific molecular modeling software are included. In some cases animations of molecular motions and animated sequences showing the construction of simple crystals are available.

Portraits of Chemists
This chapter, which is hyperlinked 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 "About the Elements" chapter. It provides insights into the process of scientific discovery, the personalities of scientists, and the interactions of science and society.

Hardware and Software Requirements

For use with a Macintosh an Apple Macintosh or compatible computer with 68040 or Power Macintosh CPU and at least 8 MB RAM, 256-color monitor (thousands of colors recommended) with at least 640 x 480 pixel resolution, a double speed or faster CD-ROM drive, and System 7 or later are required. Windows users require Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or later or Windows 95 and a compatible computer with an 80486 or higher processor, a minimum of 12 MB of memory, a mouse, 256-color, 640 x 480 or higher Super VGA graphics with a compatible color monitor, and double speed or faster CD-ROM drive. First Published: June 1997

Citation: Kotz, J. C.; Young, S. . Chemistry Navigator Upgrade J. Chem. Educ. Software SP17

Keywords: Lecture Aid; Computer Room; Instructor; High School; General; Analytical; Organic; Inorganic; Physical

Last Updated: April 27, 2001
Created: April 2, 1997 		Created by: S. B. Mathews
Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.