ChemLab vs Collisions Higher Education

ChemLab is an interactive chemistry lab simulation for high-school and college general chemistry. It pairs simulated experiments with a lab notebook for theory, procedures, and student observations. Pre-designed labs cover subjects including acid-base reactions, electrochemistry, equilibrium, gas laws, kinetics, redox, and stoichiometry, with additional simulations available from third parties. Animated experiments, plug-in lab extensions, and tools to record and replay demonstrations support instruction. Standard lets students run simulations; Professional adds Lab Wizard tools for instructors to run, edit, and create labs, plus an expandable chemical database. Professional users can capture a simulation, add comments, and save a distributable demonstration for Standard users to play back. The product lists RasMol integration and an integrated periodic table application with a quiz. It is described for distance learning, pre-lab work, demonstrations, and lab run-throughs, including experiments that are dangerous, environmentally hazardous, expensive, or lengthy. It is available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Single-user Standard licenses start at $33.99, paid once.

Collisions Higher Education is a digital game system for teaching and reviewing chemistry in college courses. It aligns with over 55 core concepts in introductory and general chemistry, organized into eight content areas: Radii Trends, Ionization Energy, Acid Strength, Lewis Structures, Ionic Bonding, Energy in Phase Change, LeChâtelier, and IMFs. Each game includes leveled challenges and an exploratory sandbox. Instructors can view student progress and performance in a teacher dashboard, and can use content overviews, quick start guides, formative assessments, and extension assignments. Instructor access is listed at free for US-based college and university educators. Student subscriptions cost $15 a year for a 12-month term; accounts are linked to an instructor’s class, and students register through an invitation URL supplied by the instructor. The product is listed for Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Playmada has ceased operations, while its FAQ says Collisions HE remains available and free to educators and students as of July 1, 2022. The FAQ also says the company no longer provides email, phone, or training support and directs users to a support forum.