Reviewed by Deb McNabney
Science Educator - retired
The Essential Chemistry Core Concepts Video Clip Library is a comprehensive collection of 46 video clips reinforcing core chemical concepts. The three to six minute segments combine wonderful simulations, scientists' commentaries, and real–world examples to reinforce essential chemical concepts.
Disc 1 covers the topics of Atoms, Molecules and Compounds, Carbon Chemistry, the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonds, and Chemical Reactions. Disc 2 covers Acids and Bases, Metals, Biochemistry, States of Matter, and Earth Chemistry. The collection satisfies the Science as Inquiry, Physical Science, and History and Nature of Science national standards. It is most appropriate for the high school level student, but many of the topics would be applicable at the middle school level as well.
I was particularly impressed with the simulations and animations. Most adolescent learners (and many adults) have difficulty grasping abstract chemical concepts. They struggle making the leap from two–dimensional blackboard drawings to the three–dimensional world of atoms and molecules. The effective graphics make this transition much easier. I was disappointed by a few editing errors and the consistently lackluster performance of one of the experts, but the rich content overshadows these imperfections. The online teacher's guide includes only objectives, a quiz, and a key, and could be enhanced.
This library would be a valuable addition to a school's professional library. The video segments are ideal introductions to lecture topics or reinforcements during a lecture. The user–friendly organization of the discs facilitates easy navigation "on the fly". The library would also be an effective tool for professional development, particularly for middle school teachers with inadequate chemistry backgrounds.
Review posted on 2/7/2013
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