goREACT

goREACT is produced by Chicago’s Museum of Science-Industry, and it allows users to create chemical reactions. When launched, goREACT presents users with the Periodic Table, and users can tap an element and read about it or drag chemicals from the Periodic Table into the “Reaction Area” to see what happens when they are combined. goREACT reports the results of combining the chemicals by showing users a picture of a product made by the reaction and a description of how the chemicals are used in the product. After combining chemicals, users must drag them to the “trash” icon to reset the “Reaction Area.” Additionally, users can view the Periodic Table in a Standard, Atomic, Iconic, or Lewis Dot view. Plus, users can tap the “i” button on the bottom right of the screen to access additional information about the app and the Periodic Table.

Instructional Ideas

1. Before teaching an instructional unit about the Periodic Table and its elements, teachers can have students use this app to begin building their interest in the subject. After giving them time to explore this app, teachers can ask students: (1) What is the purpose of the Periodic Table? (2) Did you mix any chemicals? What happened when you did? (3) Why do you suppose the Periodic Table is color-coded? Students can respond to these questions orally or in writing.
2. As a review or investigative activity with this app, teachers can describe an element and have students find it using this app. The descriptions can include characteristics of the element, where the element is found on Earth or on the Periodic Table, or its atomic mass, among others.
3. Teachers can instruct students to mix different chemicals together using this app. They can record what products were created by mixing the chemicals and then explain how those products benefit society.
4. Teachers can name a product that was created by mixing chemicals and students will have to identify the chemicals that were mixed together to create the product.
5. To study an element in detail, teachers can have students select an element to be studied; view its Standard, Atomic, Iconic, and Lewis Dot information; and combine it with different elements to see what products are produced with the element. Students can then create a PowerPoint slide or graphic organizer in Popplet to record their findings, and the presentation or organizer can be shared by posting it to a class website.

Screenshots

Screenshots