States of Matter is a curriculum‐based CD‐ROM designed to introduce students to the way scientists explain the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. It is presented as a series of slides in a multimedia slide show. Each slide covers a specific concept ‐ for example, how particles behave when a solid melts. Most of the slides are accompanied by short interactive activities. An animated chemistry teacher named Yardley McClutchin guides the students through the CD‐ROM, using his science lab as the setting.
On the main menu screen, Yardley stands in front of the blackboard and introduces the subject matter. Three topics are presented on the blackboard: solids, liquids and gases; changes of state and revision. The student can click on these topics to proceed through Yardley’s lecture, or click on a pile of handouts on his desk to print out topics at any time.
A glossary is also available on Yardley’s desk for access at any time, as is a copy of the periodic table. Clicking on a topic on the blackboard enables Yardley to pull down the screen and begin the slide show. Some of the topics available for discussion are: kinetic theory, physical attraction, gases, liquids, solids, speeding up particles, melting, evaporation, boiling, freezing, condensing, and sublimation.
Although no grade level is given for this product, I think that it would be appropriate for both middle and high school students in introductory chemistry. The concept of an animated teacher guiding the student through the material makes it easier to digest and learn. I really enjoyed going through this product and even learned a little more about this topic myself. I highly recommend this CD for both home and school use.
