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Recent versions of Wolfram's Mathematica software have access to a variety of curated data sets that are relevant to Chemists. This activity is an example of how one can use the ElementData dataset to develop an on-line tool to explore periodic trends. Wolfram provides a free web-based platform (the FreeCDF plugin) to view and interact with specifically designed Mathematica files. The activity can be accessed in one of three ways:
(1) a version of the activity is currently active at http://www.bobthechemist.com/index.php/interactive-chemistry
(2) use the CDF file in the attached compressed folder. The CDF can be saved to a personal computer and opened in a web browser once the FreeCDF browser plugin has been installed.
(3) use the notebook file in the attached compressed folder. The notebook can be opened in Mathematica and allows for modification of the content in the activity.
Neither experience with Mathematica nor a Mathematica license are necessary to use this activity, which can be accessed by anyone through the first option above.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| PeriodicPropertiesActivity.zip | 21.16 KB |
Learning goals are based on Bloom's taxonomy.
A student should be able to:
- identify common periodic trends such as how ionization energy and atomic radius change across a family and down a group. (Knowledge)
- summarize the relationships between various elemental properites (Comprehension)
- predict properties of elements based on fitting trends to primitive emperical relationships (linear, logarithmic, inverse) (Application)
- analyze graphs for elements that do not seem to follow the periodic trends (Analysis)
- categorize elements based on their periodic properties (Synthesis)
- support the use of an element (or elements) for a given application based on its/their properties (Evaluation)
The Mathematica FreeCDF browser plugin, available at http://www.wolfram.com/cdf-player/, is required to view and use the activity. A Mathematica license is required to view, use and modify the activity. Attempts have been made to create a Smartboard-friendly interface. In the current form, the tooltip pop-up text which labels each point with the corresponding atomic symbol will not function properly with a typical Smartboard interface.
This activity has been implemented in a junior-level (pre-pchem) inorganic chemistry class to help review the common periodic trends that were originally introduced in General Chemistry. I am providing this activity to the public prior to spending much time using it in the classroom.
While I use this activity in a classroom setting, it may be more appropriate to view the activity as a homework/self-study/web resource. I post this and other Mathematica activities on our course management system (we use Moodle) and it appears as if students do use the activities outside of the classroom. it may be appropriate to demonstrate the functionality in class and then assign a problem set for students to complete on their own.
I am interested in hearing about the experiences others have with the on-line version of this activity. I have a number of years of Mathematica experience under my belt and may have made some assumptions that ultimately make the activity difficult for new users. Please send me your comments, critiques and suggestions.
Evaluation
I have yet to develop assessment tools.
See above. I'm presenting this activity a bit prematurely and will be conducting student evaluations in due time.
I received two comments from initial review of this activity: (1) emphasize that Mathematica is not needed to run this activity and (2) post assessment materials when available. I have changed the title slightly to avoid any misconceptions that Mathematica is necessary and have reiterated in the implementation that one can visit a website to use the activity without having any knowledge of Mathematica. I will post assessment results as soon as they are available.
This looks great! I look forward to using it in my honors freshman and master's level inorganic classes this spring.
The ability to download it and use it in the classroom, with instant plots of any parameter for different groups/periods on the periodic table will make for great exploration learning opportunities.
Thank you!