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October 23rd • Science & humour

Mole Day

Celebrated annually from 6:02 AM to 6:02 PM on October 23rd, Mole Day honours Avogadro's Number (6.02 x 10^23), a basic measuring unit in chemistry. Today, we look at the lighter side of science to debate why subjects like chemistry and math are so intimidating to many students, the importance of humour in education, and how silly inside jokes can actually help us learn. Can a party about a mathematical constant make you a better student?

A scientist holding a glowing test tube in a dark lab

Speaking Discussion

  • Did you enjoy studying complex science subjects like chemistry or physics when you were in school, or were they your least favourite?
  • Why is it important for scientists and academics to have silly, inside-joke holidays like Mole Day or Pi Day?
  • How much of the science you learned in school do you actually use in your daily adult life? Is the current curriculum relevant?
  • If you had your own chemistry laboratory in your basement, what would you try to invent or discover?
  • Do you think teachers should use more fun holidays and humour to make boring subjects more interesting for their students?
  • Why are some people completely fascinated by how the world works at a molecular level, while others find it totally uninteresting?

Activity 1: The mad scientist Invention

The Task: You are a Mad Scientist. You need to present your most bizarre, pointless invention to a panel of bored investors.

What does it do, and why should anyone buy it?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The most interesting part of science is..."
  • "I think academic humour is..."
  • "In my opinion, education should..."