Classes do not begin at Downers Grove North until 8 a.m., but more than 350 students are expected to be at school at 6:02 a.m. Tuesday.
About 14 percent of the student body will be running laps and decorating windows with homemade periodic tables for Mole Day, a national celebration of Avogadro’s number, 6.02 x 10 to the 23rd power, which is used as a basic measurement in chemistry. What was initially planned as a one-time event with 100 people four years ago, has grown steadily, much to the surprise of chemistry teacher Tom Redig who organized the first event.
| Online For more information about Mole Day, visit the National Mole Day Foundation’s Web site at moleday.org. |
“I really do think that our Chemistry Department sparks enthusiasm,” he said. “We’re challenging our kids, we’re pushing them hard, we expect some really great things from our students, and boy do we have fun.”
Senior Jess Mulcone of Downers Grove said she first went to Mole Day as a sophomore for extra credit but got hooked on the event. Even though Jess is not in chemistry now, she said she is looking forward to going with many of her friends.
“It’s fun just being at school at 6:02 in the morning,” she said. “No one else is there, and you feel so ridiculous for being there.”
The run or walk starts with a bang from a mole cannon, a tube filled with flammable materials used to detonate a stuffed mole. Students use fabric cutouts to make their own moles, often with quirky additions like substituting wheels for feet to make an “automolebile” or hanging several of the dolls together in a “molebile,” Redig said. The best ones find space in class; others might wind up in the cannon.
Students also buy Mole Day T-shirts for $6.02 and bring in food like molasses cookies and guacamole. Each sophomore is responsible for crafting an element on the periodic table, and Redig said they often try to outdo one another by adding decorations.
Senior Colin Cuzman of Downers Grove said he plans on continuing to pursue chemistry in college where he is thinking of studying biochemical engineering. He really enjoys having one day a year where everyone is more aware of chemistry, and younger students can get an introduction to some more advanced concepts.
“As an (Advance Placement) chemistry student I spent a lot of time in the chemistry room, and chemistry just starts to grow on you, he said. “You just kind of have a desire to be around chemistry all the time.”
