Chemistry Mole Project

[LoneStar]

I need some guidance from science teachers, since although I am a high school teacher of many years, science is not my area. I'm looking for justification for an upcoming project that I have had assigned to one of my children in the past and I am anticipating the assignment for next school year.

As a student enrolled in Honors Chemistry, my daughter was assigned to complete a "Mole Project." Please see here for references:

http://www.moleday.org/htdocs/projects.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071020094142AA6seH2

This was years ago, as she is now 23. Next year her brother will be taking Chemistry and I know (from the students and assignments listed on current teacher websites) that he will be required to do the identical project.

I remember vividly that this project was a huge undertaking -- not for her, but for me. Children (especially boys) do not know how to sew and stuff hand-made materials like this. This was not an easy assignment. I am an accomplished seamstress (I have made everything from curtains to Halloween costumes to bridal gowns). This project was assigned to the students but it is quite evident that the parent (or friend of the parent that knows how to sew) ends up making the project.

I argued with the teachers back then and I have argued with the administration of my school repeatedly on and off over the years about the validity of this project (it is a required major grade). I am told repeatedly that this is assigned to "spark interest" in Chemistry, as Chemistry tends to be a "boring" (in their words, not mine) subject.

I am absolutely dreading having to once again sew this darned mole. Is there any Chemistry teacher out there who can shed some light on this for me? Help me understand:


What role exactly can this project possibly play in helping any child further grasp or appreciate the concepts of chemistry?
How can a grade be appropriately assigned to this, knowing full well that it is highly unlikely that a 15 to 17 year old child has the skill and knowledge to construct and assemble such a project?
Is there any other possible alternative that can be used to "spark interest" in chemistry for our students other than assigning a craft project to someone who is adept at using a sewing machine?
How does this fit into any chemistry curriculum? Honestly?


Please help me understand, as I'm at a total loss as to where the proficiency of cutting out, stuffing, designing, and assembling a stuffed mole fits into the scope and sequence of the elements of chemistry.

[Unregistered]

I'm confused, is this a mole (as in a blind animal) or a molecule?

If it's an animal then I agree that it has nothing to do with chemistry. If its a molecule, then can you just use drinking staws, cardboard circles, and tape-seems easier.

[LoneStar]

I'm confused, is this a mole (as in a blind animal) or a molecule?

If it's an animal then I agree that it has nothing to do with chemistry. If its a molecule, then can you just use drinking staws, cardboard circles, and tape-seems easier.

Yes, it's an actual mole -- a stuffed mole, like the blind animal -- and the assignment comes complete with a pattern to make the mole. You have to design it with a twist on the "mole" name: something like guaca"mole"e (decorating the mole in a Mexican fashion, placing it on a tray complete with chips), "Mole"donna (dressing it in a scanty outfit like Madonna wears on stage complete with the long hiked-up pony tail), Holy "Mole" E (fashioning the stuffed mole like a religious figure), or something along those lines. Each student is supposed to come up with a unique twist using "mole" within the name and then incorporate it into the stuffed animal.

See why I'm having a problem with this? A large part of the grade has to do with "creativity of the mole and the mole theme."

[Unregistered]

Man, that sounds like an incredibly pointless project. Actually, I'm surprised that the chem department feels like they need to drum up enthusiasm. When I was in highschool I had a naive idea that chemistry was going to involve anything from making perfume to pipe bombs. I eagerly looked forward to it during biology (which I didn't like) and physics (which I loved) only to have that enthusiasm come to a crashing halt the first day of chem lab. The chem teacher went on a long ramble about how we would never use anything that we learned in that class the rest of our lives, how chemistry was a dry subject, and how we had better not break any of the equipment!

My point is that having such a non-chemistry oriented assignment is a more subtle version of the "chemistry is pointless" speech. The subtext is "we think our subject ****************s, so we are distracting you with this cutsie assignment".

[Unregistered]

You could do mole-titude, and surround the mole with goldfish crackers.

[Unregistered]

Mole-ting, mole surrounded by feathers

Mole-tuary, mole in a coffin

Mole-etary management, mole with money

Mole-itude, picture of a mole and written explination why this assignment is silly.

Mole-dane, mole looking bored

Mole, mole covered in chocolate sauce

Mole-itary, mole in uniform

Mole-day, mole with a daytimer

Mole-agma, mole inside a volcano

Mole-icious, mole with pen, paper, and a dirty note

Mole-aundry, mole with dryer sheets

Mole-entine's Day, mole with chocolates

Mole-ly, mole with pig tails

Mother's Mole-k, more in a bottle








Sorry, but I couldn't help myself. This seems more like an English assignment.

[Unregistered]

Have you considered calling the other parents and getting them to formally complain. Normally I hate it when parents do this, but in this case I think its warrented.

[LoneStar]

Thanks for the goofy plays on words. I've seen them all, believe me. I can do that too, as my children are pretty literate -- and satirical. Words come easy.

Sewing, however, does not. And this is a sewing project.

Regarding contacting other parents to complain: that point is moot. I've complained about this for years (think about how long this has been going on -- my daughter did this in the Fall of 2001) and not one parent believes that it's worth fighting over. I've even spoken with my students who have been required to do this project; their answer has consistently been that their parents just went ahead and did it for them because they didn't want to make the teacher mad. I don't get it.

Parents will contact schools and complain about the most bizarre little thing. But not something that is clearly promoting cheating (because, after all, what teenager can really do this by themselves when they're competing against the parents that are doing it for their children).

I'd love to hear from a chemistry teacher out there that can justify this. Because I haven't heard a good reason for it yet.

[LoneStar]

FYI, here's the guidelines for the project:

To complete the mole project you must make a mole and write a 1-2 page story about your mole. The mole and story must have a coordinating “theme”. For example, you could make a Latin mole and call him “Senor GuacaMOLE” and write a story about him. You must include 5 chemistry facts in your story, including Avogadro’s number. You can include an environment for your mole if you wish. Creativity and neatness count!
The grading guidelines for your project are as shown:

Completed Mole = 50 points

* Sewn correctly = 35 points
* Creativity = 15 points

Paper = 50 points

* 5 chemistry facts (6 points each) = 30 points
* Creativity = 10 points
* Neatness = 5 points
* Followed directions = 5 points

Copied direct from one of the teacher websites. This is not an individual teacher assignment. This is assigned throughout the entire department and in multiple high schools in our district.

[Unregistered]

FYI, here's the guidelines for the project:

To complete the mole project you must make a mole and write a 1-2 page story about your mole. The mole and story must have a coordinating “theme”. For example, you could make a Latin mole and call him “Senor GuacaMOLE” and write a story about him. You must include 5 chemistry facts in your story, including Avogadro’s number. You can include an environment for your mole if you wish. Creativity and neatness count!
The grading guidelines for your project are as shown:

Completed Mole = 50 points

* Sewn correctly = 35 points
* Creativity = 15 points

Paper = 50 points

* 5 chemistry facts (6 points each) = 30 points
* Creativity = 10 points
* Neatness = 5 points
* Followed directions = 5 points

Copied direct from one of the teacher websites. This is not an individual teacher assignment. This is assigned throughout the entire department and in multiple high schools in our district.





Wow. I can see why you don't like this assignment. Only 30% of the grade is chemistry related. 35% is home-ec, and 35% is based on LA.

[Unregistered]

Have you considered going to a local taylor and having them sew it for you? From a moral perspective I don't think this counts as cheating as long as the kid is writing the essay. After all, the essay is the only part of the assignment that is even remotely chemistry related.

[LoneStar]

Have you considered going to a local taylor and having them sew it for you? From a moral perspective I don't think this counts as cheating as long as the kid is writing the essay. After all, the essay is the only part of the assignment that is even remotely chemistry related.

I can sew the mole. That's not the point. I've done it before. But what does one's ability to sew a mole have to do with chemistry??

I don't object to my child writing a paper, either. LA is incorporated into every single subject taught. That's not the issue. But the paper should be about chemistry, not a goofy satirical take-off on a stuffed blind animal. Certainly there are great chemists that can be researched and then a paper constructed. To me that is a more valid assignment that covers so many more skills needed to succeed.

[cherrycheeks320]

I wasn't sure how to make a new thread so I was forced to post here, sorry.
Do any chemistry teachers have any good demonstrations or activities for metabolism (biochemistry). Thanks

[Unregistered]

I'm not sure that anyone will read this post, as the thread was started a couple of months ago and the school year is now over, but I am amazed that the original question of why this project is at all useful actually came from a teacher! A very wise and experienced teacher once told me that your purpose is not only to teach, but to also entertain the students. As a chemistry teacher myself, I can say that the "build a mole" project is absolutely useful! In fact, we are getting ready to make moles next week in the summer program I am working with. When you are trying to teach a concept to a child, you have to give them an experience that will cause them to remember it. Lecturing about moles, or practicing problems with moles, or even doing laboratory work exploring moles will not help the students remember. But if they make a funny little animal, they absolutely will take away something from the lesson. Now I don't give the assignment as a homework project; we actually create the moles in class. It serves as an opportunity to discuss the mole concept in a fun and exciting way. And to be honest, what is ever wrong with getting students to show a little creativity? SOmetimes you just have to think outside the box.

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;35902]When you are trying to teach a concept to a child, you have to give them an experience that will cause them to remember it. Lecturing about moles, or practicing problems with moles, or even doing laboratory work exploring moles will not help the students remember. QUOTE]














Assuming that the concept you are teaching children is that teachers are stupid and it is necessary to jump through idiotic hoops then I have to agree with you-the experience of working on the mole project will reinforce that lesson.

[LoneStar]

I'm not sure that anyone will read this post, as the thread was started a couple of months ago and the school year is now over, but I am amazed that the original question of why this project is at all useful actually came from a teacher! A very wise and experienced teacher once told me that your purpose is not only to teach, but to also entertain the students. As a chemistry teacher myself, I can say that the "build a mole" project is absolutely useful! In fact, we are getting ready to make moles next week in the summer program I am working with. When you are trying to teach a concept to a child, you have to give them an experience that will cause them to remember it. Lecturing about moles, or practicing problems with moles, or even doing laboratory work exploring moles will not help the students remember. But if they make a funny little animal, they absolutely will take away something from the lesson. Now I don't give the assignment as a homework project; we actually create the moles in class. It serves as an opportunity to discuss the mole concept in a fun and exciting way. And to be honest, what is ever wrong with getting students to show a little creativity? SOmetimes you just have to think outside the box.

Thinking "outside the box"? Come on. You may do it in class, but where this is assigned, it is done at home. Most of the students bring it to their mothers to sew, or they hire it out and PAY to have it done.

PLEASE tell me exactly why the ability to physically sew a stuffed animal has to do with the concepts of chemistry??

There are plenty of other ways YOU could think outside the box that didn't involve a needle and thread. Get chemicals involved. Ordinary household chemicals. Entertain them: stain a shirt with ketchup (kids love that for entertainment). Pick a bunch of cleaning options. See which one gets out the stain. Okay, what's in it that works? Now try grease. Now try ink. Move on from there.

Chemicals. They are all around us, and they are NOT in my sewing basket. Actually, maybe some are. Why are some glues low-tack and some not? Why are some washable and some not? Wow. I've thought outside the box!

[Uma Sharma]

Chemistry is a part of our everyday lives. Whether it is breathing and the actions taking place within or to our lives surrounded by various combinations of elements which form this earth. Chemistry is everywhere. We need to understand it fully.

Unfortunately a lot of times Chemistry gets restricted to only remembering the elements and so on. It can become so meaningful and interesting if we can relate it to our everyday lives. I think that is what we teachers have to focus upon - make it interesting and colorful.

[LoneStar]

Chemistry is a part of our everyday lives. Whether it is breathing and the actions taking place within or to our lives surrounded by various combinations of elements which form this earth. Chemistry is everywhere. We need to understand it fully.

Unfortunately a lot of times Chemistry gets restricted to only remembering the elements and so on. It can become so meaningful and interesting if we can relate it to our everyday lives. I think that is what we teachers have to focus upon - make it interesting and colorful.

And what exactly does your post have to do with the topic of sewing a stuffed mole in a high school chemistry class?

[Unregistered]

I remember doing this project in high school as part of "Mole Week" and LOVED it! I was actually looking for the pattern when I found this. It was something completely different from the normal everyday note taking and lecturing. Yes, I agree, it was a lot of work. However, because of this project I can remember everything I learned about a mole. That is is 6.02x10^23 and so on. I worked hard on the project (without anyone's help) and got a good grade because I took the time to sit down and do it the right way. My mole was not at all perfect, but I used decorations to cover up the imperfections. This mole week assignment was all about having fun, being creative, and having the lesson sink in.

[Unregistered]

Have you thought about asking the Chemistry teacher for other options? I am a Chemistry teacher, and I do a mole day project which I tie into National Chemistry Week and Mole Day (10/23). However, my students have three options because I know that sewing is not every one's cup of tea.

1. Make a mole
2. Write a lim-mole-rick
3. Make a mole day greeting card

I use this project as a way for my students to explore different historical events in Chemistry since I don't always have the time to let them explore how scientists came up with all of the ideas that we have been studying.

[Unregistered]

I'm confused, is this a mole (as in a blind animal) or a molecule?

If it's an animal then I agree that it has nothing to do with chemistry. If its a molecule, then can you just use drinking staws, cardboard circles, and tape-seems easier.


By mole yes they mean the animal, but in chemistry a mole is 6.022 x 10 to the 23 power, i just did this project :)

[Unregistered]

I am currently taking a high school chemistry class and our mole day assignment is extra credit. We do not however, have to only sew a mole. We can make a poster explaining how big a mole really is, write a song or rap about the mole, make a food that looks like or somehow relates to the mole, or anything else we come up with that is approved by our teacher. You should suggest doing these kind of mole projects to your son's teacher.

[Unregistered]

My daughter just finished this project. She had a lot of fun with it, although I have to agree it did nothing to improve her chemistry knowledge. Hers was an extra credit assignment and it only took a couple hours and cost a couple dollars for materials. She sewed the mole by hand in the car going to and from school and sports practices. I have no problem with this as an extra credit assignment; I'd probably feel differently if it was a big project and a huge portion of the grade was based on sewing ability. Neither my daughter nor I have much of that, although her final product looks pretty good.

[Unregistered]

This assignment seems like a great way to change from the daily routine of chemistry. The students have options (some of which do not include sewing) which allow them to be creative in their own way. I personally love to include these kind of assignments in my classroom. My students have fun with projects since the days are typically spent more serious.

Leave the chemistry assignments to the chemistry teachers.

And thanks for the link to the project :)

[LoneStar]

Leave the chemistry assignments to the chemistry teachers.

I've loved watching the banter back and forth on this as we have lived through the chem mole project.

Ah, I will leave the chem assignments to the chem teachers. But I can bet my last empty beaker that collegiate level chemistry (which some of these students will no doubt enroll in) will never require them to sew one blessed thing.

High school sure is fun! Chem class in college won't be quite so amusing, will it?