The Caltech chemistry animation project

The Caltech Chemistry Animation Project utilizes broadcast quality computer graphics to develop teaching tools for the visualization of chemistry. The impetus for this project is quite simple: visualization is an integral part of the chemistry curriculum. Orbitals, chemical reactions, stereochemistry, atomic shapes, sigma vs. pi bonding, inversion during nucleophilic substitution, chirality, dynamics, the solid state, and a host of other basic concepts are inherently difficult for many students to visualize. Our goal is to use the highest available video and special effects technology to prepare stunning images that can be used as effective teaching tools in a wide variety of classroom settings.