DALLAS, July 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer in full
swing, thoughts of beakers and Bunsen burners in chemistry class
are far from most students' thoughts. But with the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner,
they might want to break out the Periodic Table of Elements to
discover the colorful connections between chemistry and the
brilliant displays overhead.
"The study of chemistry helps students see the visible world in
a different way once they discover it's 100 percent based on the
physical and chemical properties of elements," said Erick Archer, science subject matter specialist
for Texas Instruments Education Technology. "From the fuel that
supports our sun to the way in which our world is structured, those
really big things are made from very small things."
Texas Instruments is assisting students in their exploration by
posting chemistry-themed activities on its Facebook page throughout
next week (week of July 4). Through
these activities, students will be able to discover everyday
applications of chemistry. For example, one activity focuses on
light wave frequency and the relation to color while another looks
at how elements are charged and their interaction.
The self-contained activities also help students explore the
powerful teaching and learning capabilities of TI-Nspire™
technology even if they don't own the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld or the
TI-Nspire™ Software version 3.0. Students will be able to access
the activities through the TI-Nspire Document Player, a free online
tool that enables anyone to share and explore TI-Nspire documents
created with TI-Nspire computer software. Additional math and
science activities will be posted throughout the summer.
"Chemistry is a subject where seeing the abstract is critical to
exploring and learning key concepts," Archer continued. "For
example, TI-Nspire-based lessons, created by teachers, can feature
dynamic, full-color simulations of chemical reactions. Color also
helps students better visualize the data they collect and analyze
during lab experiences, helping them explore and learn traditional
concepts."
When school reconvenes in the fall, chemistry teachers can take
advantage of TI-Nspire technology in both the lab and the
classroom. TI brings together a suite of interactive science
teaching and learning tools including the color-display TI-Nspire
CX handheld, TI-Nspire Software version 3.0, the TI-Nspire Lab
Cradle and the new Vernier DataQuest™ application for TI-Nspire to
create a powerful chemistry solution in the classroom and in the
lab. More than 60 data collection sensors by Vernier Software &
Technology are compatible with TI-Nspire technology.
"The two main components of every chemistry class, the lab and
the classroom, are now covered with a single technology," Archer
said. "Whether using TI-Nspire technology in a class lesson on
periodicity or a lab-based exercise studying phase changes,
TI-Nspire technology can help students more deeply engage in
chemistry."
Todd Morstein, a chemistry
teacher at Glacier High School in Kalispell, Mont., understands how important
that is for his students.
"I use data collection frequently in my classroom," said
Morstein, who also is an instructor for TI's Teachers Teaching with
Technology™ (T3 ™) professional development organization. "My
students go into the lab with TI-Nspire technology and Vernier
tools to collect data such as temperature and conductivity. When we
return to the classroom, my students analyze that data graphically
and numerically to make the real-world chemistry connections."
The new TI-Nspire CX handheld, with its 16-bit, 320 x 240 pixel,
high-resolution color display, helps students better visualize
formulas and scientific equations; interpret data, charts and
graphics; and view full-color images and animations to highlight
concepts and deepen understanding. The TI-Nspire CX handheld is
permitted for use on the AP* Chemistry exam. It also is permitted
on SAT*, AP*, PSAT/NSMQT*, IB®, and ACT® college entrance exams, as
well as many state standardized tests.
At retail, the TI-Nspire CX handheld comes with the TI-Nspire
Student Software for home use. The TI-Nspire Student Software
includes the same features and functionality as the handheld
enabling students to work either on the handheld or a computer and
transfer documents between the two. TI-Nspire Teacher Software is
included in the TI-Nspire CX Teacher Bundles, available through
instructional product dealers. The software works on both Mac® and
PC computers.
For a list of retailers and detailers where TI-Nspire products
are available, visit
http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/nonProductSingle/purchase.html.
For more information on TI-Nspire CX handhelds, the TI-Nspire Lab
Station or the full line of TI-Nspire technology and resources,
visit http://education.ti.com/tinspire.
About Texas Instruments
Education Technology, a business unit of Texas Instruments,
provides a wide range of tools connecting the classroom experience
with real-world applications, helping students and teachers to
explore mathematics and science interactively. TI's products and
services are tested vigorously against recognized third-party
research, which shows that the use of graphing calculators helps
improve the mathematical skills of students and their attitudes
toward mathematics. For more information, visit
education.ti.com.
Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and
develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier,
safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI
innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in
more than 30 countries. For more information, visit ti.com.
*SAT and AP are registered trademarks of the College Entrance
Examination Board, which was not involved in the production of and
does not endorse these products. PSAT/NSMQT is a registered
trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National
Merit Scholarship Corporation, neither of which was involved in the
production of, nor do they endorse these products. Visit
http://www.collegeboard.com/ for more information. ACT is a
registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which was not involved in the
production of and does not endorse these products. IB is a
registered trademark of the International Baccalaureate
Organization, which was not involved in the production of and does
not endorse these products. Policies are subject to change.
Mac® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
DataQuest is a trademark of Vernier Software &
Technology
SOURCE Texas Instruments