Subject: Mole Road

When performing conversions from moles to grams, particles (atoms, ions, formula units, molecules), and volume (liters), the summary diagrams in the textbooks I have used didn't really make all that much sense to me, or were too complicated. So, I created the "Mole Road" as a visual aid to help my students. The Mole Road takes two forms: one without volume conversions (A), and one including volume conversions (B). The fact that I call it the Mole Road allows me to make bad jokes about putting in stop lights at mole intersection and adding Volume Drive when it comes time later in the year to perform those calculations involving conversions from moles to liters. The students respond favorably, and many use it often. I distribute a half-sheet copy to all students, and they are allowed to use it as a tool on homework, quizzes, lab activities, etc. if they wish.

I hope this proves useful in helping you reach a few more students, and that you enjoy using them as much as I do. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about them please feel free to contact me.

Files

Mole Road A
38K
(MS Word)

Mole Road A
11K
(PDF)

Michael Geyer (m_geyer@thecatalyst.org)
Deer Park High School, Cincinnati, OH