by Gillian Blatherwick
August 2001
Three brilliant pieces of software that provide the perfect experimental environment. Imagine the laboratory where all the components and chemicals you could possibly want are available in limitless quantities and where they can be tested to destruction without cost or risk to personal safety!
Crocodile Chemistry offers one hundred different chemicals and a full range of apparatus to simulate actual experiments with realistic results - and enables pupils to explore the changing materials element of science in complete safety. Crocodile Technology is a mechanics, electronics and computer programming simulator where circuitry and flowchart based programming can be designed and tested prior to implementing for real.
Crocodile Physics is a gem - as well as a full range of tools to explore physical science including forces and motion, light and sound, electricity and mechanics, it also provides Absorb High School Physics. This multimedia GCSE resource fully exploits the key features of Crocodile Physics and includes animations to explain less tangible concepts. It motivates students to work step-by-step through the complete course, to consolidate classroom learning or to use as a revision programme.
Each CD-ROM features comprehensive guidance taking the user through each of the key elements in a suitably interactive manner. A multi-layered tool bar allows students to drag and drop equipment directly on the screen and, using the mouse, apparatus can be linked together with ease. Experiments can be quickly modelled. Mechanics comes into its own in this respect with the visual impact of gears, chains, weights and bouncing balls fully and realistically animated.
Measurements can be taken, analysed and presented graphically exactly as in real life. While the software will never replace the educational value of hands-on experience the Crocodile series is the ideal simulation program to complement and consolidate experimental work taking place in the Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and A-level classroom.