Mole Models
These models can be made purely for the pleasure of celebrating Amadeo Avogadro's amazing
number, representing the number of particles in a unit quantity (known as one mole) of any
chemical. Additionally, the models can be used to teach an idea of the relationship between
length and volume, volume ratios and the effects of multiplying or dividing by powers of ten.
Each model differs from the next in scale in linear size by a factor of ten. Their areas therefore
differ by a ratio of 10 × 10 = 100, and their volumes by a ratio of 10 × 10 × 10 =1000. Written as
powers of 10, their size differs by 103.
Avo and Amadeo Gadro represent one mole, comprising 6.02 × 1023 particles of the substance.
Milli mole, one-thousandth their size, represents 6 × 1020particles, and Micro Mole, onethousandth the size of Milli, represents 6.02 × 1017particles.
A note for biologists: when a chemical reaction occurs, there is no change in mass. Matter is
neither created nor destroyed. Moles therefore do not need to reproduce, and hence have no
need for sex. Your mole will be neither male nor female (but we understand they are perfectly
content to be neutral ... Unless they are ionic, of course .... But that is another story).
A note for physicists: we appreciate that it is not possible to know both the position of a mole
and its speed. Moles move veeeery slowly, so this should not affect your enjoyment of these
charming creatures, whether viewed from up, down or any of a number of strange angles
available to modern science.
Patterns for making the moles are available.
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CLEAPSS® Mole Models Draft January 2014
One Moles
Avo and Amadeo Gadro were constructed using the Stuffed Mole pattern and instructions at
https://sites.google.com/site/perkovicv/moleday
Ava Gadro
Amadeo Gadro
Turn over for Milli Mole and Micro Mole
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CLEAPSS® Mole Models Draft January 2014
Milli Mole and Micro Mole
Milli Mole is a finger puppet.
Micro Mole is a tiny stuffed model.
Be careful not to lose
Micro Mole. It can
rest inside Milli
Mole, in Kilo Mole's
pocket when not in
use.
Felt is an ideal material to use, as it does not fray. Use scraps of different coloured felt,
embroidery silk or yarn and beads or buttons to complete your models.
Milli Mole
Micro Mole
You will need:
You will need:
Felt: main colour plus contrasting colours for
Felt: main colour plus contrasting colours for
claws.
claws.
Scissors, thread and needle
Scissors, thread and needle
Embroidery silk or wool
Embroidery silk or wool
Patterns for the body and paw
Pattern for Micro Mole.
Adjust the body to fit your finger. Cut two of Cut two pieces. Cut scraps for the paws and
each.
trim to shape.
Instructions
Instructions
Adapt the pattern to fit your fingers.
Cut two pieces.
Cut two pieces, identically sized.
Sew together on the right side with small
Sew right sides together between the X stitches. (Micro moles are too small to turn
marks, leaving the base open.
inside out). Before closing the final seam, slip
a small amount of stuffing inside (scraps of
Turn inside out.
felt will do).
Add a nose, whiskers, eyes and paws.
Add a nose, whiskers, eyes and paws.
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CLEAPSS® Mole Models Draft January 2014
Kilo Mole
This model is a glove puppet, with a mouth that opens containing a tongue and teeth. It has a
front pocket to accommodate Milli Mole and Micro Mole.
Instructions for making Kilo Mole
You will need:
Felt: main colour plus contrasting colours for teeth, tongue and claws.
Scissors, thread and needle
Embroidery silk and beads or buttons for face details.
Pattern
Please see separate sheets.
Instructions start on the next page.
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CLEAPSS® Mole Models Draft January 2014
Kilo Mole: Instructions
First cut the
parts from felt,
making sure to
cut the right
number of
each part.
Start by assembling and
constructing the mouth
parts. Insert the top teeth
between the top of the
mouth and the upper inner
mouth part, pin it in position
and sew around the seam.
Do the same with the lower mouth parts
and teeth. Insert the tongue in position
between the upper and lower mouth
parts, pin it in position and sew it in
place.
Kilo Mole: Instructions continued
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CLEAPSS® Mole Models Draft January 2014
Now, secure the two halves of Kilo
Mole's face together on each side of its
jaws, and sew round to its front legs.
Sew the two halves of each of Kilo
Mole's front paws together around the
claws, insert them in position in its front
paws, pin in place and sew round,
leaving an opening to enable you to put
your thumb and little finger inside when
KiloMole is complete.
Add the front pocket on Kilo Mole's
tummy, then turn Kilo Mole inside out,
pin round its sides and sew the seams to
complete the puppet.
If necessary, trim the teeth. Sew wool
whiskers on Kilo Mole's nose and add a
nose bead or fabric spot. Embroider eyes
and eyebrows. To operate the puppet,
place your thumb and little finger in its
paws and your other fingers into the
upper and lower parts of its mouth.
Turn over for Mega Mole
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CLEAPSS® Mole Models Draft January 2014
Mega Mole
This model is one thousand times the size of KiloMole. To save on felt and to avoid having to
wear a onesie, only its face (a mask) and claws (hand puppets) are made.
You will need:
For the face:
For the claws:
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS), 0.5 mm thick
Felt
A cutting board
Scissors
Metal ruler with finger protector
Pins
Pencil in contrasting colour
Needle
Knife or scissors, Hole Punch, Hair dryer
Thread
Glass beaker or bottle to shape the mask
Clamp to hold the mask while it is being heated
String
Elastic
Turn over for Instructions
Mega Mole: Instructions
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CLEAPSS® Mole Models Draft January 2014
Make the mask: draw around
the template, then, using the
metal ruler as a guide, cut
the straight edges. Use the
scissors to cut the curved
edges, and the hole punch to
make holes for the elastic.
Tie the nose section of the
mask around the beaker or
bottle, and secure the
arrangement
using
the
clamp. Heat the mask till the
shape is set.
Insert elastic into the holes
and tie, adjusting the fit.
Adjust the sizes of the eye
holes to ensure you can see
when wearing the mask.
The elastic is tied to the shaped mask
Make the claws: cut the pieces (two for
each claw). With right sides together,
sew the seams. Cut little notches in the
surplus material around the pointed
edges before you turn the sewn claws
the right way round.
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CLEAPSS® Mole Models Draft January 2014