DBHS

“Mole Day 2009”

Mole Day is a creative expression of an often complicated calculation,” Ms. O’Brien explained, “the fun of the project makes it easier to manipulate mathematical equations.”

On Wednesday, May 13th, Ms. O’Brien’s 2nd and 3rd block chemistry classes participated in the annual Mole Day project, an event so important that it has become a celebration.

“Mole Day takes on a life of it’s own,” Ms. O’Brien declared, “It’s the ultimate celebration of chemistry!” Coming only once a year, Mole Day has become a reason for celebration. Students who have yet to attend the annual festivities often ask, “why moles?”

“Defined in chemistry, a mole is the name of the unit of measure that is equal to 6.02 x 10^23rd power of atoms,” Ms. O’Brien said, “if the unit was named anything else, like chickens, we’d have a chicken day instead.”

The project not only allowed the students to reinforce what they have learned, but it was also the first time for many of them to sew and create art projects of this nature. Different styles, creations, and variety of moles were displayed, some based off of celebrities, cartoons, and even on their favorite song.

Several of the moles even had their own occupation and address! The students who surpass their peers have their mole enshrined in a glass case with other past winners. “Every year there is a new favorite,” Ms O’Brien stated, “and each year they are more creative.”

Some of the past favorites included Mariole and Luigi Mole, (moles depicting the characters from the Mario Brothers Video Game) and Molses ( another mole depicting the biblical character Moses).

Other new creations included the Incredible Molk, Boney Moley (representing an old 1950’s rock n’ roll song), and Peewee Moleman (dressed like Pee Wee Herman). Click here to see photos in our Mole Day 2009 Slide Show. However, Mole Day is not just a day of fun, as there is a greater meaning behind it.

As Ms. O’Brian explains, “this is a creative way to integrate complicated and quantitative concepts for long term memory.” Students who have attended Ms. O’Brien’s chemistry classes agree that Mole Day is one of the most anticipated events of the school year. The anticipation often proves to get the better of the younger DBHS students, as many begin planning months in advance.

“Students start thinking and planning the theme of their mole before they even understand the quantitative lesson behind it,” she finished. Any students taking Ms. O’Brien’s chemistry class can look forward to Mole Day at the end of their semester. Celebrations include cupcakes, pizza, chips, and a decorated mole cake. It is truly an unforgettable experience!

Charles Siemons Dbhs.us/Correspondent