| Dozens of furry critters invade science classes (11/07) | | Print | |
| Written by Bonnie Tong | |
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What rodent is small, cute and furry and becomes a synonym of itself
when multiplied 6.022 x 1023 times? It is the mole, which is not only
an animal, but also Amadeo Avogadro’s number.
On Oct. 23, chemistry teachers Michelle Trimble, Jonathan Fong and Katrina Rotter celebrated National Mole Day with their students, bringing a creative touch to the definition of a scientific mole. In chemistry, a mole is a basic unit of measurement. One mole of any substance is 6.022 x 1023 molecules or atoms of that substance. The project’s goal was “to bring (the concept of a mole) into the real world,” Trimble said. “We practiced calculations with their moles to find out how much of a mole is in their moles.” Students let their imaginations run free, releasing Queen Bumolebees, Molechael Jacksons, Winnie-the-Moles, Voldemoles, Nemoles, Elmoles, Little Mermole, Apple Moletinis and Molecaccinos into their classrooms. The students brought their handmade moles to class and created fictional life stories about their animals, which they shared with one another. “We had all kinds of creative ideas,” Trimble said. “We had a Molearia, who took off traveling around the world and died.” Sophomore Lisa Leung brainstormed several unusual ideas for her mole but finally settled on a Pikamole. “I thought of BevMole! and Incredimole, but Pikamole was the best,” Leung explained. Leung and others really enjoyed the creative aspect of the project. “I learned how to use a sewing machine,” she said. Trimble agreed. “It was a great opportunity for the students to be creative in science, where it is typically not an area where you get to be creative very much,” she said. Some students said they plan to keep their moles in memory of their Mole Day celebrations. “I’m going to keep my Pikamole as a stuffed animal,” Leung said. Other students may end up donating their creations. “I plan on arranging a donation to a local orphanage,” Trimble said. “A teacher did this five years ago, and all the kids in the orphanage really enjoyed having their very own stuffed moles.” Sophomore Judy Lei is one of the many students who would like to donate their mole. “I’m sure the children would love the moles,” she said. “I couldn’t resist that!” However, Trimble has not yet been able to contact the teacher for further information about the donation. The Mole Day project was enjoyable for teachers and students alike, according to Trimble. Leung agreed. “Mole Day was a whole lot of fun,” she said. “I liked looking at what everyone came up with, and I would definitely do it again.” Mole Day is celebrated annually on Oct. 23 from 6:02 a.m. to 6:02 p.m. It commemorates Avogadro’s number and “was created as a way to foster interest in chemistry,” according to the National Mole Day Foundation Web site (moleday.org). |
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