Future Lab: Ideal Gas for Chemistry
Reviewed by Ty Brewer
Published by Simulations Plus

Age Group: Age 8 and Up, Adults Type: Science Price: $99.00 US

Description:

FutureLabs: Ideal Gas for Chemistry, allows students to perform complex experiements using only a computer. These virtual experiments allow students to explore concepts of chemistry and physics without the expense, or danger, of a real lab.

FutureLabs: Ideal Gas for Chemistry is ideal for high school teachers with access to computers but inadequate lab facilities. Even teachers with adequate lab facilities would find this title extremely useful. For instance, having the students run through this series of virtual experiments before they run loose in a lab will make their lab time even more productive. Also, some experiments that require technical skill or experience are more easily accomplished using the virtual lab. I believe, in the ideal world, this virtual lab would complement and augment the real lab - not replace the real lab.

Technical Aspects:

FutureLabs: Ideal Gas for Chemistry installed easily, if somewhat slowly. The program begins with the student in "Explore" mode: the student has free reign of the entire virtual lab and is allowed to hook together whatever they want. The "Experiments" button allows the student to perform one of several predefined experiments. These experiments include detailed instructions on the theory, as well as instructions for performing the experiment. Students can print out the instructions for later reference. The "Procedures" button allows the student for view step-by-step instructions and questions for the current experiment. Lastly, FutureLabs: Ideal Gas for Chemistry includes a short introductory video that explains the series of experiments and a brief introduction to the software.

Report and Conclusions:

As a typical mad scientist, I quickly assembled the various components and began my experiments. The Gas Laws are fairly easy to understand and I was performing experiments quickly. The experimental devices perform as expected and without difficulty. I even connected devices in ways never intended (and certain to result in explusion from a real lab). In every situation, the virtual lab behaved more or less as I would expect a real lab to behave. It certainly functions realistically within the experimental parameters in the instructions.

Science teachers looking for an additional educational tool will find this product valuable. Teachers will also find this tool valuable for demonstrating experiments virtually, before letting the animals, er, students, loose in the lab.

If you have any problems when using Kids Domain then please contact Cindy, who will be happy to help where possible.

[A-Z Index - Beginners - Ages 2-5 - Ages 4-8 - Ages 8 up - Grownups]

[Subject Indexes - Kids Home - Online Games - Grownups Place]

Copyright ⌐ Kids Domain, 1998.