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Moravian Academy in Action
AP Chemistry Students Showcase Dynamic Final Projects
After an intensive year exploring 91 topics across 9 units, our AP Chemistry students concluded their academic journey with a finale that was as exciting as it was educational—sometimes literally explosive! Their Final Projects served as a dynamic capstone, allowing students to revisit their favorite topics and bring them to life through engaging demonstrations and thoughtful presentations.
Working in small groups, students selected concepts they found most compelling and used their knowledge to showcase chemistry in action. Each project required a detailed presentation and a related chemical reaction, transforming the classroom into a vibrant laboratory of curiosity and creativity. These final experiences weren’t just about understanding reactions—they were about communicating ideas, testing hypotheses, and proving their readiness for the next step in their academic journeys.
This culminating experience was particularly meaningful for students who have spent two years studying both Honors and AP Chemistry. Their projects reflected a deep understanding of content and lab techniques, with students developing comprehensive lab handouts that included background information, procedures, materials, safety protocols, and disposal considerations. The goal? To solidify a set of practical skills they’ll carry with them into future scientific endeavors.
And while the scientific rigor was front and center, it was the hands-on demonstrations that truly captured the students’ imaginations. Whether creating dramatic explosions or producing mirror-like flasks, the projects combined serious science with undeniable flair.
Here are a few highlights from this year’s final presentations:
Hydrogen Combustion Bubbles – Sarah Carter '26, Charlene Liu '26, & Elena Koprowski '26
To illustrate the reactivity of hydrogen gas, this group combined solid zinc with hydrochloric acid to generate hydrogen, which was then used to fill soap bubbles. When ignited, the bubbles combusted, producing a flash of light and heat.
"Hydrogen is an extremely flammable gas because of its single electron in its valence shell. This reactive structure makes it very dangerous to store, and when handled incorrectly, can lead to deadly consequences, like the explosion of the Hindenburg Blimp."
Mirror in a Flask – Misha Desai '26, Seeret Padda '26, & Kavi Perumal '26:
To showcase a classic redox reaction, this group performed the “Mirror in a Flask” experiment using dextrose, ammonium nitrate, silver nitrate, and sodium hydroxide. In this reaction, sugar reduces a silver-ammonia complex, depositing a reflective silver coating inside the flask—a process known as the Tollen’s test, which is used to detect aldehydes.
"A Tollen’s test is a chemical test used to detect the presence of an aldehyde group in a compound. An aldehyde group is an organic compound containing –CHO, which is formed by the oxidation of alcohols. A Tollen’s reagent is a solution of silver nitrate and ammonia. When an aldehyde is present, the reagent reacts and produces a silver mirror on the inside of the flask."
The Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction – Nikhil Skandan '26, Xavier Tongg Weiler '26 & Max Williams '26:
To demonstrate the oscillating nature of redox reactions, this group conducted the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, where malonic acid and potassium bromate react in the presence of a Ferroin indicator. As Ferroin cycles between its reduced (red) and oxidized (blue) states, the solution visibly oscillates between colors, showcasing a dynamic chemical system.
"The Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction is a unique example of a chemical oscillator. This means that instead of reaching a steady equilibrium, it oscillates between states controlled by oxidation and reduction. In this case, this is visible through a visible change in color. This reaction is an exemplary demonstration of how redox reactions can result in visible effects, such as a change in color."
In every project, students demonstrated not just what they’ve learned, but how far they’ve come—as scientists, communicators, and collaborators. It was a fitting end to a remarkable year of exploration, discovery, and chemistry at its most exciting.
