ChemReeCa (as in Eureka)
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ChemReeCa is a manipulatable device that allows simulation of chemical processes in a game format. Game objectives are in close analogy with real outcomes of real chemical processes. ChemReeCa does not necessarily require specific awareness that chemical processes are being simulated. ChemReeCa works at many levels of complexity, using concepts appropriate for elementary school through college freshman chemistry. ChemReeCa is designed (and is being designed) to appeal to broad and diverse groups of students.

In its current stage of development, there are ChemReeCa Atom Cards for hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, neon, and fluorine. Atom Cards, like real atoms, interact to form bonds and molecules. Like real atoms, Atom Cards release heat when they combine. Atom Card interaction is governed by symbolic motifs on the edges of the cards. Atom Cards can interact directly or via mediation by 120* p Bonding Cards, 180* p Bonding Cards and s Bending Cards. These cards, alone and in combination, allow construction of organic molecules with sp3, sp2 and sp-hybridization.

Atom-Atom interaction is guided by symbolic motifs on edges of the cards. Electrons are represented by elaborated circles. The Carbon Atom Card has four unpaired electrons on its edges, Nitrogen has three unpaired with two paired electrons, etc. To assemble molecules, one needs to know only a single 'rule of engagement': A card or group of cards with unpaired electrons is reactive and must be completed. A card or group of cards with all electrons paired is calm and quiescent, and represents a chemically correct molecule. Thus, the strategy is to put the cards together by pairing the electrons.


Print Sheets [C / N / O / F / Ne / P / bonds 1 / bonds 2 ]