Natalie Henry-Oliver writing for Teachers Evaluating Educational Multimedia
March 2005
Crocodile Chemistry provides good support for teaching Chemistry aspects of the Key Stage 3 and 4 Science syllabus. It consists of interactive simulations of traditional Chemistry experiments, with instructions for teachers and students to follow. There are options to view some reactions at atomic level, show reaction details and monitor conditions like temperature. In addition, teachers can create their own simulations using the parts library.
Supporting Documentation
This is a flexible program that could easily be used as part of lesson starters and plenaries. It could also form part of main activities in situations where traditional chemistry practicals cannot be undertaken, and it performs this function well. Many of the simulations also provide a good basis for revising core chemistry ideas instead of using a textbook.
The title covers all Chemistry aspects of the Key Stage 3 (Sc3) and the core Chemistry aspects of Key Stage 4 Curriculum, although it provides little support for the 'How science works' aspect of the new GCS courses. However, simulations could be linked to the SC1 component of the KS3 programme as the CD-ROM includes many practicals that require monitoring and could be used to produce data for pupils to work with at both Key Stages.
Pupils would need to be carefully directed to the relevant content but the majority of the language should be suitable for most students. Easy to follow with well presented animations, many pupils liked the ability to use the chemicals and concentrations in simulations that they would not be able to use in the laboratory.
There is the ability to view equations in different forms, but some equations show too much detail (such as cell equations in the electrochemistry section). There is no differentiation in terms of questioning, however a teacher could create scenarios to appeal to different range learners.
Only the term 'Erlenmeyer flask' is unsuitable, as 'conical flask' is more commonly used.
As part of the program there are relevant middle level questions at the end of some of the sections. These are not interactive, so there is no way for the user to tell if they are correct or not. Therefore there are no monitoring options for pupil progress either.
There are no options provided to change text size in the presented scenes, although the given information is generally of a widely accessible size. In self-created simulations, you can choose the background colours, the size of text and some equipment to fit the user's requirements.
The content would be good for the majority of students though the teacher would need to produce associated worksheets or create personalised simulations to meet the needs of the lower ability students. Gifted and talented students could be given a brief and then left to play with the simulations to elicit suitable conclusions. There is no choice in the level of information, as the instructions just direct you through the tasks with questions at the end of many simulations.
Crocodile Chemistry covers core aspects of the Key Stage 3 and 4 Chemistry Curriculum. It consists of a series of practical simulations for traditional experiments (with step by step instructions) that can be used independently or as part of whole class teaching. The scenarios are easy to follow and clear. The interactive animations are well presented and true to life, with the option to view reaction details and simulations. Instructions for creating your own scenarios are difficult to follow initially and are likely to be a time-consuming exercise, though with practice they become easier.
A useful package for any Chemistry teacher, though the opportunity to monitor pupil progress and more interactive questions, would further enhance this program.