by Lindsey Dalrymple
Mole Day, October 23, is an important day in the science world because it celebrates the number 6.02 x 10^23.
To celebrate Mole Day, chemistry teacher Erin Cothran’s class exploded pumpkins. “In chemistry we write balanced equations which can create molar ratios. The equation used to explode the pumpkins is gone over in class, balanced and discussed, then we go outside to see it in action.” In total, six pumpkins were exploded that spelled out M O L E 2 3.
In addition to exploding pumpkins, Cothran’s class goes over a handout that relates the entire day to the curriculum standards and listens to the “Mole Day song.”
Mole Day is the science department equivalent to “Pi day” that the math department celebrates. “This number allows scientists to quantify numbers of atoms, molecules and even ions in substances. It is a way for us to work with amounts of elements and molecules that we can actually see, so it is really important,” Cothran said.
Students seemed to be excited about exploding the pumpkins and look forward to doing it again next year.
