Mold Mole Molds

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners make different shapes that hold exactly one mole of gas (air). Learners are provided a face that they must measure and use as one of the sides of their three-dimensional container. Learners will discover that the containers may end up a variety of boxes and cylinders each with different starting faces but all with the same volume.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • posterboard, cardboard, or other stiff paper
  • scissors
  • tape
  • ruler
  • calculator or mathematical mind

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Variables and Expressions
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
      • Solid Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
    • Number and Operations
      • Decimals
      • Exponents
      • Multiples and Factors
      • Operations
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
    • States of Matter
      • Gases
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Yu, Julie

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2007

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0610238
  • National Science Foundation, 0925383