To begin the students explored a NetLogo GasLab model. It was a simple model the explored the variables that would be present when molecules were running into each other. It was simple in that it only took into account the variables of the two molecules (i.e. the speed, the mass, etc.) and not any environmental variables (i.e. temperature, location, etc.). It had two molecule groups; one was cyan and the other was magenta. The molecules would change color according to how fast they were going, which allowed for easy visualization of what was going on.
The next thing the students did was go to chemddl.org. The site had a short list of videos that showed various interesting chemical interactions. The next application the students explored was a 3D molecule explorer, called Jmol. It was a simple, easy to use browser application that allowed the students to manipulate and explore the various aspects of many molecules.
After Jmol the students explored a periodic table that was color-coordinated with the elements it displayed. The table was also interactive such that clicking on an element opened a new window. In this new window, it showed a 3D model of the element, objects the element was in, and various videos of chemical reactions starring the element. The students then discussed the various outcomes of combining the multitude of elements from the table.
The next website the students visited was nanoreisen.com. The site takes the viewer on a trip through various levels of magnification of various objects. The zoom went from outside the material, to inside, to the atomic level, then sub-atomic level, and then finally down into quarks. Using these various views the students were tasked with finishing a worksheet full of questions related to the site. After that the students simply explored the site and took advantage of the information it offered.