Case Studies for Collisions

We were assessing new ways to model chemical interactions and bonding properties.

Product Use: We have begun using Collisions in order to have students understand the interactions of various atoms and compounds in our Theoretical Chemistry course. In using it, we have utilized both the built-in challenges and have designed some to use in concert with the software. Students typically complete investigations as part of a larger unit.

What Worked and What Didn't: The software has been very effective in allowing students to understand modeling and the underlying principles of atoms and chemical bonds. This has been particularly effective in the ions and atoms sections. The covalent bonds could still use a bit more clarity and use in determining the geometry of molecules.

Age Group: High school students