Mole Day is officially recognized on Sunday, October 23. At first, you might think it’s a celebration for a furry mammal with a subterranean lifestyle. Instead, it’s the name given to the quantity 6.022 x 1023 in the chemistry world. Italian Scientist Amedeo Avogadro is most credited (albeit incorrectly) with the definition of the mole. Chemists now celebrate Mole Day from 6:02 a.m. to 6:02 p.m. on October 23 (10/23) to generate interest in chemistry (and let loose from a long week in the lab.)

The students engaged with local businesses and discussed numerous chemistry applications in the business world. They were encouraged to discuss the qualifications of personnel working in this area of chemistry to gain insight into what classes and training they might need for future employment.

“Having the students speak with representatives of the local businesses also gives them an appreciation for just how many job opportunities in the physical science area truly exist, “explained Bill Lipton, Assistant Professor, Chemistry. “Over the past several years, many businesses have been generous enough to spend time with our students, and this has led to several students receiving internships and some working at jobs locally in the field of science.”

A special thank you to the following businesses that participated in our event this year:

• Viking Chemical
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• CGF
• Great Harvest Bread
• Discovery Center
• Northstar Medical Radioisotopes
• Evoqua Water
• Illinois Forensics
• UI College of Pharmacy
• AllSource Environmental
• Four Rivers Water Treatment

RVC Nursing Student Grant Holliman was impressed with the business attendance at the event. “Everyone here plays a role in Chemistry,” said Grant. “As a nursing student, I enjoyed speaking with UI College of Pharmacy and understanding the connection with my class.”

In addition to business displays, chemistry demonstrations were occurring throughout the event. Students were able to watch Bill Lipton make ice cream with liquid nitrogen. “It was cool to learn about liquid nitrogen and its properties,” said RVC Nursing Student Cayla Parvis. “He poured the liquid nitrogen on the floor to show it was heavier than air. It looked like thousands of pellets, then disappeared.”

Visit https://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/Courses/Subjects/chemistry.cfm to learn more about Chemistry classes offered through RVC.

 

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