Crocodile Chemistry 1.5

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KS4 (Years 10 - 11)

Science

This product is distributed by Crocodile Clips Ltd. (Tel: 0131 2261511)

This software supports some Curriculum topics contained in Key Stage 4 Sc1 and Sc3. It is a detailed program provides a wide range activities which support and stimulate interest and curiosity in Chemistry. It is an extremely useful tool and appeals to a wide range of learning styles. Manipulating the software fully requires practice, but students can set up simple simulations almost immediately. The language of the software is accessible and is suitable for the private study of higher functioning students. For mixed ability classes the software would be more appropriate as a supplement to classroom teaching and 'dipped into' when required to get the best out of all features of the program. However, I did find that many students, including those with learning difficulties, found setting up simulations, particularly ones which blew up, stimulating and chose to use the program for this purpose outside Curriculum time. The content of the CD-ROM is not directly linked to the National Curriculum. There is no support folder, which I think is a weakness of the program as case studies and advice or specific examples of how this program could be used would be helpful. The molecular animations are quite weak and inaccurate and do not add anything to the program. The program is suitable for use in whole classes, small groups, or private study. I would recommend that the program is most useful for private study, or in whole class groups when all students have individual access to a computer, particularly if you do not have access to an interactive whiteboard onto which images can be projected.

Crocodile Chemistry is different in that it is an alternative to practical laboratory work. There are many different situations were it could prove useful when a practical session is not possible. In addition, it can be as useful as a textbook for students to learn from. It could be used with a whole class in an IT suite with a structured worksheet for guidance for the less able, or left open ended for the very able. It can be used to demonstrate a reaction by the teacher with a whiteboard. It can be used by small groups, or individuals.

I work with mixed ability classes. I have used this program in two ways. Firstly, I used the program with a mixed ability GCSE Single Award Science group for four double units of 100-minutes duration at part of Curriculum time. Secondly, I used the program with a smaller group of students from the GCSE Double Award Science group on a study day during the holidays. I would look to this programme to select particular activities as a way of stimulating their interest and explaining concepts which are difficult to visualise by any other means.

I teach Chemistry to three Year 11 groups - the top two sets and the bottom set. I decided to write a worksheet for them to use, which would form a revision lesson. I chose two very bright pupils from the top set and four average ability, but well motivated from the second set. There are usually only eight pupils in my bottom set and they work well together, so I decided to try it with them and let them go through the worksheet as a group.