Chemistry students pay homage to Avogadro’s number

By Amy Jiang,

HUB Staff Writer–

Davis High chemistry students spent an early Wednesday morning with musical performances and bad mole jokes on Mole Day, which began at 6:02 a.m. on Oct. 23.

Following the tradition of the past few years, the event was held in the Holmes Junior High MPR. This year’s theme was “The AniMole Kingdom.”

The National Mole Day Foundation was established in 1991 by a group of high school chemistry teachers led by Maurice Ohler. Wayne Raymond and a group of about 25 DHS chemistry students celebrated that first Mole Day in 1991 at the downtown restaurant that is now Seasons.

Although the event has outgrown restaurants and the theme changes every year, the mole itself remains constant.

Mole Day pays homage to the mole, a quantity of chemical particles equivalent to 6.02 x 10^23, or Avogadro’s number. “Moles are at the heart of many chemical calculations, making them of great importance and significance to chemists,” chemistry teacher Raymond said.

Raymond, who donned a tuxedo suit in honor of the event, said that students enjoy the event despite the early rising that it requires. “It is a bonding experience for chemistry students of all types.”

Chemistry students received extra credit for attending Mole Day, and additional credit for submitting artwork, serving breakfast or performing at the event.

Chemistry teacher David van Muyden, estimated about 200 students present at Mole Day, which was consistent with past years.

Senior Daniel Zhu, a performer at the event, said that one thing could make Mole Day even better: “Make it not so early.”