ChemViz (Chemistry Visualization) is an interactive chemistry program which incorporates computational chemistry simulations and visualizations for use in the chemistry classroom. The chemistry simulations support the chemistry principles teachers are trying to convey, and the visualizations allow students to see how matter interacts at an atomic level.

The ChemViz tools include an image generator (Waltz), and a molecular editor (Nanocad) which has been developed to construct and transfer molecular data seamlessly between the ChemViz tools. These tools were developed in cooperation with The Shodor Education Foundation, Inc., and the Indiana University Molecular Structures Center.

The goal of the ChemViz project is to apply computer simulation and visualization tools to empower instructors in teaching chemistry. The visualization tools allow students to view the chemistry at the submicroscopic level as it occurs dynamically -- providing them with a deep understanding of the underlying chemical principles which cannot be obtained by reading text or from the static representations provided by textbooks. By backing these visualization tools with computer simulation, the accuracy and validation of the visualizations can be ensured. Also, students learn more by experimenting (active learning) than by watching (passive learning). Backing the visualization with simulation allows the students to change a chemical system (e.g., the number, type, and location of atoms in the chemical system), and to learn about the effects on the submicroscopic behavior, and on the observable macroscopic properties.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 9819106.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the
author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.