ap chemistry research projects

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25 Research Ideas in Chemistry for High School Students

Have you wanted to get into chemistry research, but didn’t know where to begin? Read this article to learn more on how you can start your own research project.

What Makes a Good Research Idea?

Before starting, having a good research idea will provide a firm foundation for your work. Before you begin, make sure to confirm if your research topic is:

What area are you addressing in your research project, and does it fill in some gap of knowledge? If your research has been done before or has been already thoroughly examined, then it’s unlikely your idea will be as compelling as an original paper that leaves room for future questions and innovations.

Interesting

Do you find the topic interesting? If you have passion in your work, you will be excited and engaged in your work, which others in the industry will definitely pick up on. If you don’t find your research interesting, it’s better to brainstorm which areas you’d be more passionate about.

Feasibility

Is the research doable? Make sure to take a deep look into your capabilities and resources, and use what’s available to you in order to pursue your research. While there are many projects that can be done at home or through the computer, you can reach out to a local college or laboratory if you’d like to get a more professional experience.

Okay, I Have a Research Idea, What’s Next?

Once you’ve picked a research idea, it may seem daunting on what to do next. You should develop a detailed research plan and reach out to teachers, professors, and scientists who can help you. Having a mentor can provide helpful comments on your research idea and your next steps.

For example, a mentored program like the Lumiere Research Scholar Program can be a great opportunity to experience the full research cycle. Those who are selected for the Lumiere Research Scholar Program are given 1-1 mentorship with top PhDs. Below, we share some of the chemistry research ideas that have been proposed by our research mentors.

Chemistry Research Ideas for High School Students

Research category #1 : energy and climate change.

Climate change has been one of the widely talked about topics in public discourse. With more media and political attention on this issue than ever before, it’s no wonder that there are many opportunities to explore how chemistry can be applied to help the planet. Therefore, researching in this field will yield potential benefits for society and beyond , making applications of this research especially compelling for passionate high school students.

1. Use green chemistry as a tool to achieve sustainability targets in the fields of energy, water remediation, agriculture or sensing.

2. Find novel chemicals that can be used to shape the next generation of batteries, green fuels, and energy harvesting.

3. Research materials can be developed to improve CO2 capture and Utilization (CCU).

4. Analyze different energy storage options currently available, and compare and contrast technologies' chemistries, performance, lifetime, cost, geographic and resource constraints, and more.

5. Learn the newest and most promising technologies in sustainability science, with a focus on how startups and the private sector are critical to our society's transition to a green future and how products are commercialized from lab to market.

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, Yale University, and University of Cambridge.

Research Category #2 : Computation and Machine Learning

Data processing is becoming increasingly efficient, and especially in the advent of artificial intelligence systems, scientists are interested in learning how to apply new technologies to their line of work. If you’re looking for knowledge within computer science or computer engineering, these topics may stand out to you.

6. Apply machine learning for chemical challenges, such as how AI can bring benefits into the area of chemistry and how big data can be processed.

7. Merge chemistry with computational tools to design molecules and predict their properties.

8. Study molecular and biological systems via computational modeling, including finding the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques and types of computational analysis.

9. Implement machine learning for reaction optimization, process chemistry, reaction kinetics, mixing, scale-up and safety.

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Duke University, University of Cambridge, and University of Leeds.

Research Category #3 : Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials

The benefits of nanotechnology are clear – more developments in this field can lead to lower costs and stronger properties of materials. The area of technology is incredibly new, so if you want to get involved in a burgeoning research field , see if the following ideas interest you.

10. Conduct a general study on the focus on nanomaterials and their applications.

11. Understand how material nano-structure can create specific properties and take advantage of that "structure-property" understanding to engineer new materials.

12. Be exposed to the frontiers of material science and the host of meta-stable man-made materials with exotic properties.

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Technical University of Munich and Georgia Institute of Technology.

Research Category #4 : Chemical Reactions

One of the most major fundamental aspects of chemistry is understanding how different elements and molecules interact to create new products. Understanding more about how these reactions take place and which interactions are favored can yield better ideas on how to utilize them. If you’d like to better your chemistry skills, take a look at these topics:

13. Investigate how molecules are made in nature,such as what reactions are performed by enzymes to make natural products.

14. Study a reaction that changes color as it proceeds using your phone to measure the RGB-code evolution.

15. Delve into the synthesis of chemicals within organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry.

16. Learn how to design, synthesize, and use molecular boxes for separating targeted compounds.

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Duke University and University of Cambridge.

Research Category #5 : Drug Discovery

Unsurprisingly, pharmaceuticals heavily utilizes the concepts of chemistry to create life saving drugs and treatments for people worldwide. If you’re interested in learning how chemical reactions can treat diseases within the human body , see below for more information.

17. Communicate the causes of drug resistance in tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or another infectious disease

18. Explore the connections between drug discovery, pharmaceutical development, flow chemistry, organic synthesis, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and biochemical and enzymatic synthesis.

19. Conduct a detailed research on proteins, their role in human disease, and how understanding protein structure can inform drug discovery.

20. Observe the characteristics of good drug candidates and the biological experiments performed to prove clinical viability.

21. Determine the role small molecules play in imaging, labeling, target identification, inhibiting native protein functions and facilitating foreign ones, especially in new techniques being used to understand disease pathways.

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Leeds, Cornell University, and Johns Hopkins University.

Research Category #6 : Life Sciences

Beyond the scope of drug discovery, how does chemistry support life itself? Biochemistry is an intriguing field that aims to answer how biological processes take place , and more discoveries are taking place everyday on the mystery of life. If you’d like to learn how biology and chemistry work in tandem, these research topics may be the right fit for you.

22. Develop theory of chemical kinetics and how they are used to study reactions that are critically important for biology to maintain life.

23. Learn the biological processes of living cells such as human cells, yeast, bacteria, and such.

24. Utilize different techniques to determine structures of biomolecules present in humans.

25. Employ molecular modeling and simulation techniques to tackle problems that involve the function or interactions of a protein.

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Duke University, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford.

This article provides only a small glimpse into the endless possibilities of chemistry research, but hopefully, the variety of different fields that chemistry is involved in piqued your interest; whether you’d like to learn more about climate change, computers, or biology, there is definitely an applicable chemistry research project that you can do.

If you are passionate about chemistry and hope to do advanced research under expert mentorship, consider applying to the Lumiere Scholar Program . You can find the application form here .

Lydia is currently a sophomore at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. During high school, she pursued engineering activities like attending the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. In her spare time, she likes to create digital art while listening to music.

Labs for Advanced Placement ®  Chemistry

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New blended learning options combine the benefits of classroom, laboratory and digital learning.  Running AP ® Chemistry labs can be a challenge—for students and teachers. They take a lot of time and can be intimidating, and it isn‘t always easy to connect experiments to the AP exam. All of this led us to develop a new way of doing AP Chemistry labs that will save time, increase student engagement and comprehension and lead to better exam scores. There’s no extraneous content; these labs teach exactly what your students need to know.

Our inquiry lab kits with real sample data  have been designed and developed to meet the most current AP Chemistry guidelines and investigation requirements and are aligned to the AP Big Ideas, Learning Objectives and Science Practices. Each advanced-inquiry kit includes all the chemicals, specialized equipment and instructions needed for a class of 24 students working in pairs.

Special features include:

Prelab Concept, Technique and Procedure Videos:  Students can watch at home to learn so they arrive in lab confident, and thye can rewatch them if they get stuck on a tricky procedure or calculation during a lab—making the time in lab as productive as possible.

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Practice on Real Exam Questions:  Each lab includes a unique set of online problems that relates the experiment to the exam, and each problem has its own re-teach video—giving your students proper reinforcement when they struggle.

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A Digital Dashboard:  This allows you to track student performance on assessment questions—seeing exactly where your students are at in their progress anytime.

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Labs for Advanced Placement Chemistry

Analysis of Food Dyes in Beverages

Percent Copper in Brass

Gravimetric Analysis of Calcium and Hard Water

Acidity of Beverages

Separation of a Dye Mixture Using Chromatography

Qualitative Analysis and Chemical Bonding

Applications of Le Châtelier’s Principle

Acid–Base Titrations

Buffers in Household Products

Green Chemistry Analysis of a Mixture

Analysis of Hydrogen Peroxide

Separating a Synthetic Pain Relief Mixture

Rate of Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate

Kinetics of Crystal Violet Fading

Designing a Hand Warmer

Properties of Buffer Solutions

Flinn Inquiry Labs for AP® Chemistry – Gold Bundle

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To see our full selection of labs for Advanced Placement Chemistry,  click here .

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How to Choose a Project for Your AP Research Course

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The AP Research course guides you through the design, planning, and implementation of a year-long, research-based investigation to address a research question of interest to you. The second of two classes required for the AP Capstone™ Diploma , AP Research takes the skills you developed during the previous year in AP Seminar and applies them to a larger platform. In the AP Research course, you can expect to learn and apply research methods and practices to address a real-world topic of your choosing, culminating in the production and defense of a scholarly academic paper.

Because your score for this course relies entirely on your paper and oral defense, choosing a strong research project is extremely important. If you are enrolled in the AP Research course, you already know the ins and outs of inquiry-based learning and how to conduct a simple research project. Now you will stretch your abilities and put your knowledge to use.

The careful selection of a project is arguably the single most important choice you will make during this course. The process is complex and can seem overwhelming at first, since the possibilities may seem endless. By breaking down your choices and carefully considering your specific AP Research course format, your own interests, and the unique resources available to you, you will be able to choose an AP Research Project that is academically relevant, personally engaging, and feasible for you to complete in the given time frame.

When Should I Begin the Process of Choosing My AP Research Project?

It is important to keep in mind the time frame for selecting a project. Many students assume that the selection process begins with the start of the new school year, as most likely every other AP course has in your academic career. However, if you wait until the beginning of a new school year, you may be starting the course off at a disadvantage.

When the AP Research course description specifies a yearlong research project, that most often means an entire 12-month year, and not simply a nine-month school year. Since you will complete the AP Seminar course in the spring, your teacher will likely set the expectations for what you need to accomplish over the summer break, before your AP Research course officially begins in the fall. If you are expected to begin your work over the summer, your course instructor will provide you with additional instruction, assignments, and avenues for continued communication to guide you through the research planning process during the summer months.

Although some schools may opt to delay this process until the fall, the College Board’s sample timeline for the AP Research course, available on page 36 of the course description , begins not in September with the start of the new school year, but in May with the completion of the AP Seminar course, which you must take as a prerequisite before enrolling in AP Research. That’s when you should begin to consider research topics, problems, or ideas. By September of the following school year, it is recommended that you have already finalized a research question, completed an annotated bibliography, and prepared to begin a preliminary inquiry proposal for peer review.    

This might seem like a lot to do on your own over the summer break, potentially without the face-to-face support of your teacher, but using the steps outlined below will help you get started.

How Should I Start to Narrow Down My AP Research Project Ideas?

Initially, your method for narrowing down a potential AP Research project idea will rely on the structure of your specific AP Research course. Although the core content and skills remain standardized for every AP Research course, the implementation of this instruction varies depending on how your high school chooses to format it. Some AP Research courses have a specific disciplinary focus wherein the course content is rooted in a specific subject, such as AP Research: STEM Inquiries or AP Research: Performing and Visual Arts. Other AP Research courses are offered in conjunction with a separate and specific AP class, such as AP Research and AP Biology, wherein students are concurrently enrolled in both AP courses and content is presented in a cross-curricular approach.

Alternatively, AP Research may be presented in the form of an internship wherein students who are already working with a discipline-specific expert adviser conduct independent studies and research of the student’s choosing while taking the AP Research class. Finally, some AP Research courses are delivered independently as a research methods class. In this style of class, students develop inquiry methods for the purpose of determining which method best fits their chosen topic of inquiry/research question, and each student then uses a selected method to complete his or her investigation. 

As you begin to narrow down your project idea, you’ll need to consider the greater context of your AP Research course. If your course is rooted in a specific discipline, you should focus on that subject area. If your AP Research course is presented as more of an internship, you’ll need to consider what feasible options are available to you. Use the course format as the first step towards shaping your AP Research project proposal. If you aren’t sure of the method in which your course will be delivered, make sure to ask your teacher before you leave for summer break.

Once you know your course format, you can move on to the next essential question in narrowing down your project proposal. Ask yourself what you want to know, learn, or understand. Do not skip this crucial step. The AP Research class provides a unique opportunity for you to guide your own learning in a direction that is genuinely interesting to you. You will find your work more engaging, exciting, and worthwhile if you choose a topic that you want to learn more about. It is not often that you will have such an opportunity to take ownership of the direction of your learning during high school. Do not waste such an amazing opportunity.

What Can I Do If I Can’t Come Up with Any Ideas?

If you are stumped for project ideas, try exploring previous ideas with classmates. Ask previous AP Research students what they did, or what other students in their class did. If nothing strikes your interest, do some reading online about possible AP Research topics. One list of potential research questions can be found here and another can be found here . Keep in mind that these lists make great starting points and do a good job of getting you thinking about important subjects, but your research topic should ultimately be something that you develop independently as the result of careful introspection, discussions with your teacher and peers, and your own preliminary research.

Are There Any Subjects That Are Off Limits?

The AP Capstone program states that “facilitating students’ entrance into academic or real-world conversations about complex issues is a key goal of both the AP Seminar and AP Research courses.” As such, there are not any specific topics that College Board prohibits when they are researched academically. In fact, College Board specifies that it “aims to build independent, critical thinkers by empowering students,” so you should not shy away from a certain topic simply because it might be considered controversial. If you’re worried that your project idea could be offensive or inappropriate, speak with your teacher about your specific concerns.

Also remember that there are general guidelines that must be followed by all researchers in order to maintain ethical research practices. If you pursue a research project that involves human subjects, your proposal will need to be reviewed and approved by an institutional review board (IRB) before experimentation begins. Specific instructions about this process are found on page 44 of the course description , and you may find more information here . Talk with your teacher to decide if this is the right path for you before you get too involved in a project that may not be feasible.

What Other Things Should I Consider When Selecting My AP Research Project?

Most AP Research courses will expect you to work with an expert adviser while conducting your research. Some schools will compile a pool of potential expert advisers at your disposal, while other schools will rely on you to find your own. One way to further narrow down your project idea is to consider the expert advisers to whom you might have access. If a list has been provided, familiarize yourself with this distinguished group of professionals and try to identify overlaps in your areas of interest with their areas of expertise. If your school does not provide a list of potential expert advisers, try to brainstorm some ideas of who may be able to mentor you as you work. You can find more advice on finding a mentor in CollegeVine’s “ How to Choose a Winning Science Fair Project Idea .”

Another angle to consider is the availability of resources and special equipment. If you have had   access to a specialty lab or other technical equipment through a summer internship or job, you may find ways to use this to your advantage if you can think of a project that interests you. Keep in mind what unique tools and equipment are at your disposal to help shape your project proposal.

What Happens Once I Have Chosen an AP Research Project?

After you’ve identified a research project that interests you, that is feasible given your time frame, and capitalizes on your access to expert advisers and equipment, you will begin to work on a preliminary inquiry proposal for peer review. Once you have fine-tuned your proposal with classmates, you will also identify and communicate with your expert adviser while working on your formal Inquiry Proposal Form. This will be distributed by your teacher but can also be previewed on page 55 of the course description . Your teacher may ask you to revise certain parts of your proposal. Make sure to allow enough time for these revisions. A final, approved Inquiry Proposal Form is due by November 30. 

For more information about the AP Research course, read CollegeVine’s Ultimate Guide to the AP Research Course and Assessment or CollegeVine’s Introduction to the AP Capstone Diploma .

For more about information about APs, check out these CollegeVine posts:

• Can AP Tests Actually Save You Thousands of Dollars?

• Should I Take AP/IB/Honors Classes?

• How to Choose Which AP Courses and Exams to Take

• What If My School Doesn’t Offer AP or IB Courses?

• Are All APs Created Equal in Admissions?

Want access to expert college guidance — for free? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the ultimate ap chemistry study guide.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Studying for the AP Chemistry exam is a challenging undertaking. There are so many different topics and types of problems that you're expected to master, some of which you might not have fully understood in your class.

This AP Chemistry study guide is written to help you effectively navigate the road towards the AP exam. I'll give you all the information and resources you need to create a study plan, review the content, and practice your skills.

What's the Purpose of This AP Chemistry Study Guide?

This guide will aid you in preparation for the AP Chemistry exam and any other assessments you encounter in your class. The first section outlines a study plan that will help you review the material effectively before the test. You can also use this plan as general advice for the best way to use practice tests in the context of your studying throughout the year.

The next section lists study tips that specifically apply to AP Chemistry. It's nice to have some strategies in hand before you begin prepping so that you get the most out of your time with the material!

The section after this deals with the content of the course, divided into AP Chemistry's main units. I'll link to notes that provide information detailing each of the content areas and give you some supplemental videos that may help with explanations.

Finally, I'll provide online resources that you can use to test your knowledge of AP Chemistry, including practice multiple-choice quizzes by topic area and sample free-response questions.

AP Chemistry Study Plans

AP Chemistry has many different components: data interpretation, math problems, concept memorization, logical reasoning. Where do you start? I'll describe the basic study process step-by-step first and then provide an approximate timeline.

Step 1: Take and Score an Initial Diagnostic Test

Practice tests are available online, through your AP teacher, or in review books. Take your diagnostic test under the same time constraints as the real exam (1 hour 30 minutes for multiple choice and 1 hour 45 minutes for free response). You should aim to take your first full-length practice test around the beginning of your second semester.

Side Note: Even though they can be useful, you should always be wary of practice tests from review books. Whenever possible, try to use official tests from the College Board to judge your score level instead of tests that were written by prep companies. Unofficial tests are often significantly easier or harder than the real AP test.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Results

When you're done, go back through your answers and score the test. Keep track of which types of questions you answered incorrectly (or answered correctly because of a lucky guess). This will allow you to collect a repository of concepts that you need to work on before taking the real test.

Step 3: Study Weak Content Areas and Do Practice Problems

Refer to your notes, review book, or information included later in this guide to refresh your knowledge of ideas that you had trouble with on the practice test. If you're struggling with a particular type of problem, find a similar problem in your textbook, review book, or online, and walk yourself through the steps of solving it.

First, just read the solution explanation. Then, try to do it yourself without looking at the explanation and see if you can find the right answer. If you go through a few problems or questions like this in areas that need work, you will start to build up comfort with the material.

Step 4: Take and Score a Second Practice Test

When you feel you've addressed the main issues you noticed on the first diagnostic test, you can take another practice test to measure your improvement.

Overview of the Entire Process:

• Take and score a practice test (3.5-4 hours)
• Analyze and categorize your mistakes (1-2 hours)
• Do practice problems and study content that correspond to your areas of weakness on the test (2-3 hours)
• Take and score a second practice test (3.5-4 hours)

After the second practice test, check your progress. If you're satisfied, you can stop here at nine to 13 hours of studying, but I'd say that's the minimum study time for this test. Assuming you still want to improve or get more comfortable with the format of the exam, you can repeat the cycle as many times as necessary to reach your goals.

AP Chemistry Study Strategies

Before we get to notes on content, here are some study tips that you should keep in mind as you review. In a subject like chemistry, there's a huge difference between looking over the material and actually learning it.

#1: Start With the Basics

AP Chemistry is a subject that builds on itself from the ground up. If you don't understand the essential reasoning behind the properties of different elements, you'll have trouble answering more obscure problems down the road.

For this reason, your studying should begin with the topics that were covered earliest in the year. If there's a concept you learned early on that's still giving you trouble, you should revisit it right away to solidify your understanding. If you don't absorb foundational knowledge before solving complex problems, you'll end up wasting your time and getting more confused (or memorizing how to solve a specific problem without expanding your understanding of the concept).

#2: Do It Yourself

When studying a subject that requires step-by-step problem solving, students often read answer explanations and overestimate their levels of understanding. Everything seems so clear when you're reading about it, but you'll feel different during the AP test when all you have is the problem in front of you.

That's why it's critical to re-do problems yourself after looking at the answer explanations. Learning by doing is the only way to go with chemistry. If you can find the solution on your own while genuinely understanding how you got there, you'll do well on similar problems when they come up in the future.

#3: Double Check for Logic and Units

When you finish a chemistry problem, you might be tempted to accept the answer you calculated right away and continue to the next question. Before you do, check to make sure that your answer matches up with what you know about the problem and its scale. Many issues with units and significant figures can happen in chemistry, so you should double check to verify that your answer is in the correct form and makes logical sense.

#4: Invest in a Review Book

If you have the means, I'd highly recommend buying a review book to supplement independent studying. Review books can provide you with more concise explanations of concepts and better ideas for how to structure your time. They also have practice tests and questions that you can consult as you review different parts of the curriculum. Check out our article on the best AP Chemistry review books for more specific ideas.

AP Chemistry Content

First, I have for you a super sweet interactive periodic table! The periodic table is your best friend in AP Chemistry, and you'll have access to it on the test. You should know all about the different types of elements and what the numbers in the table mean! This other site is also useful for sorting the elements according to their various unique properties .

Here are links to some notes for the main topics that fall under each of the nine units of the course. The units represent nine fundamental themes of AP Chemistry under the newly-organized curriculum. These resources should help you to review key concepts if you find that you're missing sections in your notes from class. Note that, because AP Chemistry's curricula was recently updated in 2019, many online notes haven't been updated, which is why some topics don't have corresponding notes and some notes cover multiple topics.

Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties

• Moles and molar mass
• Mass spectroscopy of elements
• Elemental composition of pure substances
• Composition of mixtures
• Atomic structure notes 1
• Atomic structure notes 2
• Electron configuration notes 1
• Electron configuration notes 2
• Photoelectron spectroscopy
• Periodic trends
• Valence electrons and ionic compounds

Unit 2: Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties

• Types of chemical bonds
• Structure of ionic solids
• Structure of metals and alloys
• Lewis diagrams
• Resonance and formal charge
• VSEPR and bond hybridization

Unit 3: Intermolecular Forces and Properties

• Intermolecular forces
• Properties of solids
• Solids, liquids, and gases
• Ideal gas law
• Kinetic molecular theory
• Deviation from ideal gas law
• Solutions and mixtures
• Representations of solutions
• Separation of solutions and mixtures chromatography
• Spectroscopy and the electromagnetic spectrum
• Photoelectric effect
• Beer-Lambert Law

Unit 4: Chemical Reactions

• Introduction for reactions
• Net ionic equations
• Representations of reactions
• Physical and chemical changes
• Introduction to titration
• Types of chemical reactions

Unit 5: Kinetics

• Reaction rates
• Introduction to rate law
• Concentration changes over time
• Elementary reactions
• Collision model
• Reaction energy profile
• Introduction to reaction mechanisms
• Steady-state approximation
• Multistep reaction energy profile

Unit 6: Thermodynamics

• Endothermic and exothermic processes
• Energy diagrams
• Heat transfer and thermal equilibrium
• Heat capacity and calorimetry
• Energy of phase changes
• Introduction of enthalpy of reaction
• Bond enthalpies
• Enthalpy of formation

Unit 7: Equilibrium

• Introduction to equilibrium
• Direction of reversible reactions
• Reaction quotient and equilibrium constant
• Calculating the equilibrium constant
• Magnitude of the equilibrium constant
• Properties of the equilibrium constant
• Calculating the equilibrium concentrations
• Representations of equilibrium
• Introduction to Le Chatelier's Principle
• Reaction quotient and Le Chatelier's Principle
• Introduction to solubility equilibria
• Common-ion effect
• pH and solubility
• Free energy of dissolution

Unit 8: Acids and Bases

• pH and pOH of strong acids and bases
• Weak acid and base equilibria
• Acid-base reactions and buffers
• Acid-base titrations
• Molecular structures of acids and bases
• pH and pK a
• Properties of buffers
• Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
• Buffer capacity

Unit 9: Applications of Thermodynamics

• Introduction to entropy
• Absolute entropy and entropy change
• Gibbs Free Energy and thermodynamic favorability
• Thermodynamic and kinetic control
• Free energy and equilibrium
• Coupled reactions
• Galvanic (Voltaic) and electrolytic cells
• Cell potential and free energy
• Cell potential under nonstandard conditions
• Electrolysis and Faraday's Law

Online Practice Resources

This is a list of free online resources that have practice tests and problems that may aid in your studying. If you need more practice, you should also consider buying a review book or asking your AP teacher for additional official practice tests.

College Board

The College Board has free-response questions (along with scoring guidelines) from past tests (1999 to 2013) on its site for AP Chemistry. You can also find free-response questions from 2014 to 2020   and 2021  on the AP Student section of the College Board website. All of these are great for practice!

ScienceGeek

I like this site because it's not all multiple choice. You have to solve problems completely on your own, which awesome practice for the AP test. There are tons of different activities that relate to all aspects of the course, and you can check your answers as you find them. This is a helpful resource for practice problems that will allow you to develop a strong fundamental understanding of the concepts.

Albert has sets of practice questions organized by concept. Each question is labeled Easy, Medium, or Hard, so you'll know whether you've mastered the material. (You need to pay to access some materials.) The site also records your progress and the accuracy of your answers in each topic area to make it easier to identify where your skills still need work. All questions are multiple choice, so make sure you also practice open-ended questions elsewhere .  You'll also need to create and pay for an account to access most of the materials.

Varsity Tutors

This site has a bunch of practice test s on all topics related to AP Chemistry. Each test has a difficulty rating along with a listing of the average amount of time required to complete the questions. These tests are multiple choice , but there are plenty that will ask you to solve stoichiometry problems or balance equations. Just like Albert iO, once you're well-versed in the material, you can try to do the problems without looking at the answer choices.

Adrian Dingle's Chemistry Pages

This is a resource that offers short multiple choice quizzes on all topics in AP chemistry. The quizzes are only five questions long each, so they're good for quick review of concepts that you already know fairly well.

AP Chemistry is tough. It covers so much information, and most of it is complex and challenging to understand. Take a diagnostic test before you start studying so you can devise a plan that fits your needs, whether that means studying for 10 hours or 40 hours.

I'd recommend that you use the study strategies and supplemental resources in this guide to bolster your understanding of the material. If you're willing to work hard to master every topic in AP Chemistry, the test will be a much less stressful experience!

What's Next?

If you're still planning out your future high school schedule, take a look at this guide that will help you decide which AP classes to take in addition to chemistry.

How high does your AP score have to be to qualify for college credit? Learn more about getting credit for AP classes in college.

Want some more info on chemical reactions? Check out our guide on dynamic equilibrium to learn everything you need to know about how this process works.

Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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AP Chemistry: Final Research Project

• Final Research Project
• Project Overview Guidelines for final research project.
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• EBSCOHost for High Schools Search across various databases by selecting them for broad searches. Search over 30 free databases across numerous subjects.
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12 Chemistry Research and Passion Project Ideas For High School Students

By Alex Yang

Graduate student at Southern Methodist University

8 minute read

Chemistry is much more than just a subject taught in classrooms, it's also the science that explains the world at the molecular level. For students with an interest in experimentation, the elements that make up our universe, and a desire to dive deeper into careers like nutrition, medicine, environmental science, or energy, creating a chemistry passion project can be a valuable journey. A unique aspect of a chemistry passion project is that it has the flexibility to be more research oriented, or more hands-on and experimental.

In this article, we’ll dive into chemistry research and passion project ideas that you can either try to execute on your own or use as inspiration for a project you design. We’ll also cover how you can decide which project or topic to focus on, and navigate the diverse range of ideas within the field of chemistry.

Finding Your Chemistry Passion Project Focus

There are many different directions you can take with your chemistry passion project, so first it’s important to sit down and think through what specific topics within chemistry you’re interested in. Maybe you’re more interested in the medical side of chemistry, or perhaps you’re intrigued by the environmental science applications of chemistry. If you find yourself in that position, great! You can choose to dive deeper into any of those interests. 

After you’ve found some initial passion project ideas , the easiest step from there is just to Google or YouTube those topics and start learning more about them. You’ll find that as you start to conduct preliminary research into a few ideas, one will start to stand out to you more.

12 Chemistry Passion Project Ideas

1. what's in my water .

Most water contains heavy metal ions such as copper, iron, and zinc. Not all metal ions are bad but at high concentrations they can be unsafe. In this project you could collect water samples within your community and measure the metal ion levels such as ferric and ferrous water. Research techniques for how to accurately measure metal ion levels in water. In this project, you’ll learn more analytical chemistry techniques and explore a question relevant to public health.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Grace

2. Ocean acidification 

As the world moves towards global warming, we are seeing increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This constantly shifts the equilibrium of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the ocean, forming an acidic compound that results in lowering the pH of the ocean gradually. This can have detrimental effects on organisms that live there. This project could be used to do a deeper dive into the acidification rate of the ocean and examine potential impacts to specific organisms living in the ocean.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Janson

3. Metals for life 

If asked about metals important to life, chances are iron and calcium would first come to mind, as they are important parts of our blood and bones. There are many more metals that are needed for essential biological functions, however. In this project you will dive into scientific literature to learn about different life metals, find out what their roles are in biology, and learn what kind of life forms need them. You will also learn about the newest addition to the life metals - the lanthanides. Then, choose one life metal and review two recent scientific articles involving your metal of choice. Finally, generate a description of the metal's function in biology. Your creativity is the limit as to how you show the importance of metals for life.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Nathan

4. Sustainable chemical production 

Most chemicals in our world today are produced with petrochemical feedstocks (e.g., oil, natural gas). Research and discuss the possibility for replacing the petrochemical feedstock with a renewable one, such as biomass. What are the current realistic options? Which chemicals can be (and are already) produced with renewable feedstocks and which chemicals will be more difficult or require more research to produce sustainably?

Idea by chemistry research mentor James

5. Sleep medication: a bottle of lies or a bottle of dreams? 

There are many drugs and other substances (such as melatonin) that are prescribed to people that have issues sleeping. However many of these medications have mixed efficacy and it is unknown exactly what they do. This project could revolve around investigating a currently known drug/ substance (e.g., Ambien, melatonin), and researching how the drug affects the brain and its efficacy. You could also investigate potential future sleep therapies that could have better results than the current sleep drug market. Another potential route is developing a survey to determine how well these drugs are helping people sleep.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Sean

6. All about rubber

Polymers are some of the most relevant and impactful materials for everyday life, and the basis of all polymer science lies in understanding the structure-property relationships present in these macromolecules. In this project, you will gain a better understanding of the chemical and mechanical properties of rubber, an extremely familiar yet remarkably unique polymeric material. Through either hands-on experimentation or an in-depth literature review, you will research the chemical structure of rubber in order to understand the effect of temperature and vulcanization on its mechanical behavior. 

Idea by chemistry research mentor Sarah

7. Battery storage 

Batteries are proving to be a great way to store large amounts of energy from intermittent renewable sources. This project could involve researching current battery technologies and showing through graphs or some other visual representation of how much battery storage a city (or state/province) would need to run 100% off of renewable sources.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Landon

8. Designing a chemical production process 

In this project, a student will work on designing a chemical production process for a chemical. They would research the chemical reaction, learn about the critical research and engineering decisions that go into engineering a process, and propose a design for a more efficient manufacturing route.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Lucas

9. Water absorbent polymers for home gardening 

You'll conduct experiments and/or conduct surveys to determine what commercially-available water absorbent polymers are useful and cost-effective for home gardeners and write a research paper summarizing your results. You'll dive into polymer and agriculture science while also learning core research skills.

10. Why do some people respond differently to diabetes treatments?

Approximately 37 million Americans have diabetes . However, the response to diabetes treatment can be variable as a result of the many mutations. Using published literature and online databases, identify the most common type 2 diabetes medications and the genetic mutations that cause differential responses to these medications.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Geralle

11. Understanding novel non-opioid pain therapies 

Opioids, though very effective in managing specific pain states, are extremely dangerous and can often lead to overdose. The dual chronic pain and opioid epidemic outline the need for novel, non-opioid therapies to treat pain. In this project, you can look to understand more about current opioid shortcomings, the landscape of emerging pain therapies, and the future of pain management in the United States.

Idea by chemistry research mentor David

12. Is nuclear energy worth pursuing? 

The world faces a climate crisis, one in which immediate and drastic action is needed. Promising technologies such as nuclear power have faced public opposition and regulatory hurdles for years. Explore whether it is technically viable (i.e., is it better than other energy generation techniques?) and practically acceptable (i.e., is it safe and what are the long-term consequences?) to pursue nuclear energy.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Uday

How to Showcase Your Chemistry Passion Project

After you’ve put in all the hard work of researching and learning new skills, it’s also equally important to decide how you want to showcase your project . You can see that in many of the project ideas above, there is a clear topic of focus but the final product of the project is open-ended. You could try to publish a research paper, create a podcast or video, or even create an informative blog or website. You’ll find that although many project ideas may feel like they should culminate in a paper, many actually lend themselves well to another form of showcasing. Try to be creative and showcase your work in a way that feels authentic to you!

Examples of Chemistry Passion Projects Completed by Polygence Students

There are several chemistry passion projects created by Polygence students that we want to highlight and show for inspiration! 

Nicolette was able to explore how diseases like typhoid, malaria, and COVID-19 are cured using African herbal remedies and why the field is declining, culminating in a research paper and blog post. 

Natasha’s project explored how the inclusion of specific enzymes in sunscreen can help people with UV-induced skin diseases. Natasha’s project was presented in the form of a review paper.

Want to start a project of your own?

Click below to get matched with one of our expert mentors who can help take your project off the ground!

In this article, we covered how to find a chemistry passion project that interests you and shared 12 different research and passion project ideas from our extensive network of research mentors. Of course, these are just a few of many different potential chemistry project ideas, and we encourage you to be curious and explore chemistry project ideas beyond this list.

If you’re interested in pursuing a chemistry passion project, Polygence’s programs are a great place to start and learn from excellent mentors.

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Do Your Own Research Through Polygence

Your passion can be your college admissions edge! Polygence provides high schoolers a personalized, flexible research experience proven to boost your admission odds. Get matched to a mentor now!"

100+ Great Chemistry Research Topics

Table of contents

• 1 What are the best chemistry research topics?
• 2 5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers
• 3 Chemical Engineering Research Topics
• 4 Organic Сhemistry Research Topics
• 5 Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics
• 6 Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics
• 7 Analytical Chemistry Research Topics
• 8 Computational Chemistry Research Topics
• 9 Physical Chemistry Research Topics
• 10 Innovative Chemistry Research Topics
• 11 Environmental Chemistry Research Topics
• 12 Green Chemistry Research Topics
• 13.1 Conclusion

Do you need a topic for your chemistry research paper? Are you unsure of where to start? Don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll go over a series of the best chemistry research paper topics as well as Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers on different topics. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have plenty of ideas to get started on your next research project!

There are many different subfields of chemistry, so it can be tough to find interesting chemistry topics to write about. If you’re struggling to narrow down your topic, we’ll go over lists of topics in multiple fields of study.

What are the best chemistry research topics?

Doing research is important to help scientists learn more about the world around us. By researching different compounds and elements, we can learn more about how they interact with one another and how they can be used to create new products or improve existing ones.

There are many different topics that you can choose to research in chemistry. Here are just a few examples:

• The history of chemistry and how it has evolved over time
• How different chemicals react with one another
• How to create new compounds or improve existing ones
• The role of chemistry in the environment
• The health effects of different chemicals

5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers

Once you have chosen a topic for your research paper , it is important to follow some tips to ensure that your paper is well-written and accurate. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Start by doing some background research on your topic. This will help you understand the basics of the topic and give you a good foundation to build your paper on.
• Make sure to cite all of the sources that you use in your paper. This will help to show where you got your information and will also help to add credibility to your work.
• Be sure to proofread your paper before you submit it. This will ensure that there are no errors and that your paper is clear and concise.
• Get help from a tutor or friend if you are struggling with your paper. They may be able to offer helpful advice or feedback.
• Take your time when writing your research paper . This is not a race, and it is important to make sure that you do a good job on your research.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your chemistry research paper will be a success! So what are you waiting for? Let’s go over some of the best research paper topics out there.

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and application of chemical processes. If you’re wondering how to choose a paper topic, here are some ideas to inspire you:

• How to create new alloy compounds or improve existing ones
• The health effects of the food industry chemicals
• Chemical engineering and sustainable development
• The future of chemical engineering
• Chemical engineering and the food industry
• Chemical engineering and the pharmaceutical industry
• Chemical engineering and the cosmetics industry
• Chemical engineering and the petrochemical industry

These are just a few examples – there are many more possibilities out there! So get started on your research today. Who knows what you might discover!

Organic Сhemistry Research Topics

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing molecules. There are many different organic chemistry research topics that a student could choose to focus on and here are just a few examples of possible research projects in organic chemistry:

• Investigating new methods for synthesizing chiral molecules
• Studying the structure and reactivity of carbon nanotubes
• Investigating metal complexes with organometallic ligands
• Designing benzene derivatives with improved thermal stability
• Exploring new ways to control the stereochemistry of chemical reactions
• Studying the role of enzymes in organic synthesis
• Investigating new strategies for combating drug resistance
• Developing new methods for detecting explosives residues
• Studying the photochemistry of organic molecules
• Studying the behavior of organometallic compounds in biological systems

Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry is the study of the chemistry of materials that do not contain carbon. Unlike other chemistry research topics, these include elements such as metals, minerals, and inorganic compounds. If you are looking for inorganic chemistry research topics on inorganic chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

• How different metals react with one another
• How to create new alloys or improve existing ones
• The role of inorganic chemistry in the environment
• Inorganic chemistry and sustainable development
• The future of inorganic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry and the food industry
• Inorganic chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
• Atomic structure progressive scale grading
• Inorganiс Сhemistry and the cosmetics industry

Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics

Biomolecular chemistry is the study of molecules that are important for life. These molecules can be found in all living things, from tiny bacteria to the largest animals. Researchers who work in this field use a variety of techniques to learn more about how these molecules function and how they interact with each other.

If you are looking for essential biomolecular chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• The structure and function of DNA
• The structure and function of proteins
• The role of carbohydrates in the body
• The role of lipids in the body
• How enzymes work
• The role of biochemistry in heart disease
• Cyanides and their effect on the body
• The role of biochemistry in cancer treatment
• The role of biochemistry in Parkison’s disease treatment
• The role of biochemistry in the immune system

The possibilities are endless for someone willing to dedicate some time to research.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

Analytical Chemistry is a type of chemistry that helps scientists figure out what something is made of. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as spectroscopy or chromatography. If you are looking for research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• How food chemicals react with one another
• Mass spectrometry
• Analytical aspects of gas and liquid chromatography
• Analytical chemistry and sustainable development
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy methods and best practices
• Analytical chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry in Ibuprofen consumption
• Analytical chemistry and the cosmetics industry in UV protectors
• Dispersive x-ray analysis of damaged tissues

Analytical chemistry is considered by many a complex science and there is a lot yet to be discovered in the field.

Computational Chemistry Research Topics

Computational chemistry is a way to use computers to help chemists understand chemical reactions. This can be done by simulating reactions or by designing new molecules. If you are looking for essential chemistry research topics in computational chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Molecular mechanics simulation
• Reaction rates of complex chemical reactions
• Designing new molecules: how can simulation help
• The role of computers in the study of quantum mechanics
• How to use computers to predict chemical reactions
• Using computers to understand organic chemistry
• The future of computational chemistry in organic reactions
• The impacts of simulation on the development of new medications
• Combustion reaction simulation impact on engine development
• Quantum-chemistry simulation review

Computers are cutting-edge technology in chemical research and this relatively new field of study has a ton yet to be explored.

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical chemistry is the study of how matter behaves. It looks at the physical and chemical properties of atoms and molecules and how they interact with each other. If you are looking for physical chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Standardization of pH scales
• Structure of atom on a quantum scale
• Bonding across atoms and molecules
• The effect of temperature on chemical reactions
• The role of light in in-body chemical reactions
• Chemical kinetics
• Surface tension and its effects on mixtures
• The role of pressure in chemical reactions
• Rates of diffusion in gases and liquids
• The role of entropy in chemical reactions

Here are just a few samples, but there are plenty more options! Start your research right now!

Innovative Chemistry Research Topics

Innovative chemistry is all about coming up with new ideas and ways to do things. This can be anything from creating new materials to finding new ways to make existing products. If you are looking for ground-breaking chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Amino acids side chain effects in protein folding
• Chemistry in the production of nanomaterials
• The role of enzymes in chemical reactions
• Photocatalysis in 3D printing
• Avoiding pesticides in agriculture
• Combining chemical and biological processes
• Gene modification in medicinal chemistry
• The role of quantum mechanics in chemical reactions
• Astrochemical research on extraterrestrial molecules
• Spectroscopy signatures of pressurized organic components

If you need a hand, there are several sites that also offer research papers for sale and can be a great asset as you work to create your own research papers.

Whatever route you decide to take, good luck! And remember – the sky’s the limit when it comes to research! So get started today and see where your studies may take you. Who knows, you might just make a breakthrough discovery!

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental Chemistry is the study of how chemicals interact with the environment. This can include anything from the air we breathe to the water we drink. If you are looking for environmental chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Plastic effects on ocean life
• Urban ecology
• The role of carbon in climate change
• Air pollution and its effects
• Water pollution and its effects
• Chemicals in food and their effect on the body
• The effect of chemicals on plant life
• Earth temperature prediction models

A lot of research on the environment is being conducted at the moment because the environment is in danger. There are a lot of environmental problems that need to be solved, and research is the key to solving them.

Green Chemistry Research Topics

Green chemistry is the study of how to make products and processes that are environmentally friendly. This can include anything from finding new ways to recycle materials to developing new products that are biodegradable. If you are looking for green chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Recycling and reuse of materials
• Developing biodegradable materials
• Improving existing recycling processes
• Green chemistry and sustainable development
• The future of green chemistry
• Green chemistry and the food industry
• Green chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
• Green chemistry and the cosmetics industry

A more environmentally friendly world is something we all aspire for and a lot of research has been conducted on how we can achieve this, making this one of the most promising areas of study. The results have been varied, but there are a few key things we can do to make a difference.

Controversial Chemistry Research Topics

Controversial chemistry is all about hot-button topics that people are passionate about. This can include anything from the use of chemicals in warfare to the health effects of different chemicals. If you are looking for controversial topics to write about , here are some ideas to get you started:

• The use of chemicals in warfare
• Gene modification in human babies
• Bioengineering
• How fast food chemicals affect the human brain
• The role of the government in regulating chemicals
• Evolution of cigarette chemicals over time
• Chemical effects of CBD oils
• Antidepressant chemical reactions
• Synthetic molecules replication methods
• Gene analysis

Controversial research papers often appear in the media before it has been peer-reviewed and published in a scientific journal. The reason for this is that the media is interested in stories that are new, exciting, and generate a lot of debate.

Chemistry is an incredibly diverse and interesting field, with many controversial topics to write about. If you are looking for a research topic, consider the examples listed in this article. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

In order to be a good researcher, it is important to be able to think critically and solve problems. However, innovation in chemistry research can be challenging. When thinking about how to innovate, it is important to consider both the practical and theoretical aspects of your research. Additionally, try to build on the work of others in order to create something new and unique. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to be able to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

Happy writing!

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Chemistry Solutions

November 2023 | Editorial

Engaging Students Through Chemistry Research

By Don Warner

My professional career has been dedicated to providing meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students. For the past decade or so, I have expanded this effort to include high school students. I do this because — and this isn’t hyperbole — conducting undergraduate research changed my life.

As an 18-year-old, first-generation college student, I enrolled in a large state university with the intention of taking a bunch of science classes while earning an English degree so that I could pursue my dream of becoming a naturalist-writer (hoping to become the next Aldo Leopold, Barry Lopez, or Terry Tempest Williams). Unfortunately, I quickly learned that I wasn’t prepared for college, and that an English degree wasn’t a good fit. I was lost in the large, 300- to 400-person introductory classes, and felt I had no connection to the professors and my fellow students. I became depressed and disinterested in school, and even withdrew for a term.

When I returned, I forced myself to study, attend class, become actively engaged, and try to do well. This was fortuitous, because one day, while checking an answer key for an exam, my chemistry professor walked by and struck up a conversation. She brought up an opportunity to conduct undergraduate research, and I soon found myself working on an organic chemistry research project alongside graduate student researchers. During the year or so in the lab, I didn’t generate any earth-shattering (or even publishable) results. However, becoming a member of the research group had a profound impact on my life. Beyond time in the lab, I was able to attend research group meetings, learn from seminar speakers, and present my research at a national conference. Importantly, I became a member of a supportive community, which made the large university seem smaller and more welcoming.

Soon I was actually looking forward to going to class, and began to thrive. I had found something I truly enjoyed and could envision as a future career. Thus, my career as an organic chemistry professor is a direct result of that chance encounter with my professor and the opportunity to conduct research.

A life-long impact

My story is not unique. As a professor, I have mentored many students who are transformed because of their research experiences. For example, I recently attended the wedding of a former student who now has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry and is employed in the biotech industry. At the wedding, I was embarrassed by the attention I received from my student’s relatives. All of them, from grandparents on down, made a point to personally thank me for everything I had done for their son. When he first started college, this student was so focused on playing in a band and becoming a rock star that he was kicked out due to having very poor grades for too many semesters in a row. Engaging in undergraduate research provided this individual with much-needed clarity and direction.

Numerous published studies support my anecdotal experiences surrounding the educational power of engagement in research. For example, undergraduate research is known to increase retention, content knowledge, and interest in science and engineering careers. 1,2,3 Additionally, at a Hispanic-serving institution, undergraduate research positively impacted participants’ GPA, satisfaction, knowledge, and skills. 4 For students attending associate’s degree-granting institutions, participation in a year-long undergraduate research program resulted in increased retention in STEM and increased transfer rates to four-year schools. 5

There isn’t as much information available on the relationship of research and high school students, but participation in an eight-week summer program has been shown to increase science self-efficacy, which is linked to increased science identity and a commitment to a STEM career. 6 In our study on the impact of participation in the American Chemical Society’s Project SEED Virtual Summer Camp , we found that students demonstrated gains in professional skills, STEM identity, college preparation, and chemistry career awareness, all of which are anticipated to increase interest in STEM majors and careers. 7 Further, if the research experience culminates in a poster or oral presentation at a scientific conference, as is often the case, an increase in research confidence, sense of belonging in science, and intention to pursue a research degree in graduate school are expected. 8

Encouraging the next generation

Given these clear benefits, I encourage educators to engage students in learning about research opportunities. Ideally, involvement will occur early enough in a student’s education that the positive effects impact their education and career decisions.

For example, high school teachers can encourage students to apply to participate in the Project SEED program . Participants in the program conduct eight weeks of paid research in an academic or industrial laboratory alongside a professional scientist. There are research sites across the country, but not everywhere. Fortunately, there are a limited number of virtual research projects available that will accommodate a small number of students who live in areas without any Project SEED sites.

The program has several elements that are worth noting. First, participants must have completed one high school chemistry class. Second, preference is given to students from low-income households. Finally, once a student participates, they are eligible to apply for SEED-specific college scholarships .

I have been heavily involved with Project SEED for more than a decade at the local and national levels. I have worked alongside some fantastic students, and have seen lives changed as a result of Project SEED. If you live in an area without a SEED program site, I strongly suggest that you reach out to your American Chemical Society Local Section and ask them to start a site! The student application window opens in February each year.

Encouraging high school students to apply for participation in STEM summer camps offers another opportunity for teachers to introduce their students to research. Local colleges, universities, companies, and government agencies will frequently offer one- or several-week camps where participants learn new STEM-related skills.

This past summer, at my university, I offered a one-week “Anti-Cancer Chemistry Camp,” where students were introduced to medicinal chemistry via target identification, molecular docking, some organic chemistry (e.g., the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction), and target-binding assays. The camp involved actual research: each student attempted to prepare a new analog of a lead compound that had never been synthesized.

We did not know how well the organic chemistry would work, let alone how well the new analogs would bind to the target protein. The students learned that research is messy, never goes as planned, and that on-the-fly problem-solving and troubleshooting are the norm. While it was a stressful week for my helpers and me, the high school students all had a wonderful experience, and said they would do it again if they had the chance. While camps of this type frequently have fees associated with them, often there are scholarships and fee waivers available.

Finally, teachers can implement course-based research experiences into their existing classes. At the undergraduate level, these so-called “CUREs” (course-based undergraduate research experiences) are numerous and well-documented. 9 A quick search turned up several examples of projects incorporated into high school science classes. 10

A collaboration between a high school teacher and a college faculty provides an opportunity to offer a truly excellent research experience. For example, an AP environmental science instructor approached me about working with her students on their independent research projects. Because of this partnership, the students were able to participate in my university’s undergraduate research showcase. I helped the students design and print their posters, and provided guidance on communicating their findings to the broad audience who would be attending the conference.

The posters were shown to district-level administrators, and some of the students were able to give presentations to science teachers from other high schools as part of a district-wide training event. If your course already incorporates a research experience, consider exploring opportunities to include a poster session. Most colleges and universities host undergraduate research conferences, and organizers may be willing to allow high school presenters if they are partnered with a college faculty member.

I invite you to set aside some time to delve into the wisdom and inspiration shared by your fellow educators in this issue of Chemistry Solutions . You’ll have the opportunity to read about assortment of insightful contributions, including:

• The feature article , read about how a teacher worked on improving his mental health and how a discussion with fellow teachers led to him learning new techniques that you can try as well.
• A teacher who employs a trio of strategies  in her classroom which collectively empower her students to take ownership of their learning journey.
• Hear about a high school chemistry teacher who incorporated science fair projects  into her curriculum so her students could compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
• The story of a chemistry teacher  who tackled the challenge of becoming a teacher in both a foreign language and country in her first year of teaching.

In closing, I urge you to seek out opportunities to engage your students in authentic research experiences. From an educational outcomes perspective, it is one of the best instructional practices. From my perspective, it can be life-changing!

Don Warner SOCED Representative 2023–2024

1. Lopatto, D. Undergraduate research experiences support science career decisions and active learning. CBE – Life Sciences Education. 2007 , 6 , 297-306.

2. Nadelson, L.; Walter, L.; Waterman, J. Undergraduate research experiences at different level of inquiry. Journal of STEM Education. 2010 , 11 , 27-44.

3. Seymour, E.; Hunter, A. B.; Laursen, S. L.; DeAntoni, T. Establishing the benefits of research experiences for undergraduates in the sciences: First findings from a three-year study. Science Education. 2004 , 88 , 493–534.

4. Collins, T. W.; Grineski, S. E.; Shenberger, J.; Morales, X.; Morera, O. F.; Echegoyen, L. E. Undergraduate research participation is associated with improved student outcomes at a Hispanic-serving institution. J. Coll. Stud. Dev. 2017 , 58 ; 583-600. doi: 10.1353/csd.2017.0044.

5. Nerio, R.; Webber, A.; MacLachlan, E.; Lopatto, D.; Caplan, A. J. One-year research experience for associate’s degree students impacts graduation, STEM retention, and transfer patterns. CBE Life Sci. Educ . 2019 , 18; ar25. doi:10.1187/cbe.19-02-0042.

6. Salto, L. M.; Riggs, M. L.; Delgado De Leon, D.; Casiano, C. A.; De Leon, M. Underrepresented minority high school and college students report STEM-pipeline sustaining gains after participating in the Loma Linda University Summer Health Disparities Research Program. PLoS One. 2014 , 9 , e108497. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0108497.

7. Nadelson, L. S.; Jemison, R. C.; Soto, E.; Warner, D. L. Cultivating a New “SEED”: From an On-Ground to Online Chemistry Summer Camp. J. Chem. Educ. 2022 , 99 , 129–139. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00280 .

8. Casad, B. J.; Chang, A.L.; Pribbenow, C. M. The Benefits of Attending the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS): The Role of Research Confidence. CBE life sciences education. 2016 , 15 , ar46. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.16-01-0048 .

9. Dolan, E. L. 2016. Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences: Current Knowledge and Future Directions. Commissioned for Committee on Strengthening Research Experiences for Undergraduate STEM Students. https://sites.nationalacademies.org/cs/groups/dbassesite/documents/webpage/dbasse_177288.pdf .

10. See, for example, Murray, D. H.; Obare, S. O.; Hagerman, J. H. (Eds.). The Power and Promise of Early Research. ACS Symp. Ser. 2013 , 1231 . doi:10.1021/bk-2016-1231.

201+ Chemistry Project Topics [Updated]

Chemistry, often hailed as the “central science,” plays a pivotal role in understanding the world around us. From the composition of substances to the reactions that transform them, chemistry influences nearly every aspect of our lives. One fascinating way to delve deeper into this field is through chemistry projects. These projects offer a hands-on approach to learning, allowing students and enthusiasts alike to explore various concepts and phenomena. In this blog, we’ll journey through a diverse array of chemistry project topics, offering insights into each area’s significance and potential for exploration.

How To Select Relevant Chemistry Project Topics?

Table of Contents

Selecting relevant chemistry project topics requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure that the chosen topic aligns with your interests, goals, and resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you select the most suitable chemistry project topic:

• Identify Your Interests: Consider your interests within the broad field of chemistry. Are you fascinated by organic synthesis, environmental chemistry, biochemistry, or another sub-discipline? Choosing a topic that aligns with your interests will keep you motivated throughout the project.
• Assess Your Knowledge and Skills: Evaluate your current knowledge and skills in chemistry. Choose a topic that challenges you without being too overwhelming. If you’re a beginner, opt for a project that allows you to build upon your existing knowledge while learning new concepts.
• Consider Available Resources: Take stock of the resources available to you, including laboratory equipment, chemicals, reference materials, and access to mentors or experts. Select a project that can be feasibly completed with the resources at your disposal.
• Review Literature and Current Trends: Conduct a literature review to explore recent advancements, emerging trends, and unresolved questions in your chosen area of interest. This will help you identify gaps in knowledge or areas where further research is needed, guiding your selection of a relevant project topic.
• Define Your Objectives and Goals: Clearly define your objectives and goals for the project. Determine what you aim to accomplish and what outcomes you hope to achieve. Your project topic should align with these objectives and contribute to fulfilling your academic or personal goals.
• Consult with Mentors or Advisors: Seek guidance from mentors, advisors, or faculty members who can provide insights and suggestions based on their expertise. Discuss potential project topics with them and solicit their feedback to ensure that your chosen topic is relevant and feasible.
• Brainstorm and Narrow Down Options: Brainstorm a list of potential project topics based on your interests, knowledge, resources, and goals. Narrow down your options by considering factors such as feasibility, novelty, and potential impact. Choose a topic that excites you and has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the field of chemistry.
• Refine Your Topic and Formulate a Research Plan: Once you’ve selected a topic, refine it further by clearly defining your research question or hypothesis. Develop a research plan outlining the specific objectives, methods, and timeline for your project. Be prepared to adapt and refine your plan as you progress with your research.

By following these steps, you can select relevant chemistry project topics that align with your interests, goals, and resources, setting the stage for a successful and rewarding research experience.

201+ Chemistry Project Topics: Beginners To Advanced

Organic chemistry projects.

• Synthesis and characterization of aspirin.
• Extraction and analysis of caffeine from tea leaves.
• Isolation and identification of natural dyes from plants.
• Synthesis of biodiesel from vegetable oil.
• Investigating the acidity of fruit juices using titration.
• Synthesis of esters for fragrance applications.
• Preparation of soap from vegetable oils.
• Studying the effect of catalysts on organic reactions.
• Analysis of essential oils from aromatic plants.
• Synthesis and purification of acetaminophen.
• Investigating the properties of polymers.
• Extraction of DNA from fruits or vegetables.
• Synthesis of nylon-6,6.
• Investigating the effects of different solvents on crystallization.
• Studying the reactions of carbohydrates.
• Synthesis of biodegradable plastics.
• Analysis of food additives using chromatography.
• Investigating the process of fermentation.
• Synthesis and characterization of bioderived materials.
• Studying the properties of antioxidants in foods.

Inorganic Chemistry Projects

• Synthesis and characterization of metal oxides.
• Investigating the properties of transition metal complexes.
• Preparation of metal nanoparticles and their applications.
• Studying the formation and properties of zeolites.
• Synthesis of coordination compounds.
• Investigating the redox properties of metal ions.
• Preparation and characterization of metal alloys.
• Studying the properties of rare earth elements.
• Synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
• Investigating the catalytic properties of metal nanoparticles.
• Preparation and properties of superconductors.
• Synthesis of semiconductor materials.
• Investigating the properties of carbon allotropes (e.g., graphite, diamond).
• Preparation and characterization of magnetic materials.
• Studying the properties of chalcogenides.
• Synthesis of nanocomposites for catalytic applications.
• Investigating the properties of perovskite materials.
• Preparation and characterization of phosphors.
• Studying the properties of metal halides.
• Synthesis of metal carbonyl complexes.

Analytical Chemistry Projects

• Development of a method for heavy metal detection in water samples.
• Analysis of food preservatives using spectroscopic techniques.
• Determination of vitamin C content in fruit juices.
• Quantification of caffeine in beverages using chromatography.
• Development of a method for pesticide analysis in fruits and vegetables.
• Analysis of air pollutants using gas chromatography.
• Determination of pH in household products.
• Quantitative analysis of alcohol content in beverages.
• Development of a method for drug analysis in pharmaceutical formulations.
• Analysis of mineral content in water samples.
• Determination of total dissolved solids (TDS) in water samples.
• Quantification of sugar content in soft drinks.
• Development of a method for forensic analysis of trace evidence.
• Analysis of heavy metals in soil samples.
• Determination of acidity in vinegar samples.
• Quantitative analysis of proteins in biological samples.
• Development of a method for antioxidant analysis in food samples.
• Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air.
• Determination of chlorophyll content in plant samples.
• Quantification of nicotine in tobacco products.

Physical Chemistry Projects

• Investigation of reaction kinetics using spectrophotometry.
• Study of gas laws through Boyle’s and Charles’s experiments.
• Determination of the heat of neutralization using calorimetry.
• Investigation of solubility equilibria using conductivity measurements.
• Study of colligative properties through freezing point depression.
• Determination of molecular weight using vapor pressure measurements.
• Investigation of electrochemical cells and their applications.
• Study of phase transitions using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
• Determination of rate constants using the method of initial rates.
• Investigation of adsorption phenomena using surface area measurements.
• Study of the behavior of ideal and non-ideal gases.
• Determination of activation energy using the Arrhenius equation.
• Investigation of chemical equilibria using Le Chatelier’s principle.
• Study of reaction mechanisms using isotopic labeling techniques.
• Determination of the heat capacity of solids using calorimetry.
• Investigation of diffusion and osmosis phenomena.
• Study of molecular spectroscopy using UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Determination of reaction enthalpy using Hess’s law.
• Investigation of acid-base titrations and pH indicators.
• Study of reaction rates using temperature-dependent kinetics.

Biochemistry Projects

• Isolation and characterization of enzymes from biological sources.
• Study of enzyme kinetics using spectrophotometry.
• Investigation of metabolic pathways using biochemical assays.
• Study of protein structure and function using SDS-PAGE.
• Analysis of nucleic acids using gel electrophoresis.
• Investigation of cellular respiration using respirometry.
• Study of photosynthesis using chlorophyll fluorescence.
• Analysis of biomolecules using mass spectrometry.
• Investigation of DNA replication using PCR.
• Study of gene expression using reporter assays.
• Analysis of protein-protein interactions using co-immunoprecipitation.
• Investigation of membrane transport using permeability assays.
• Study of signal transduction pathways using ELISA.
• Analysis of enzyme inhibition using kinetic assays.
• Investigation of DNA damage using comet assays.
• Study of protein folding using circular dichroism spectroscopy.
• Analysis of cell viability using MTT assays.
• Investigation of apoptosis using flow cytometry.
• Study of protein purification using chromatography techniques.
• Analysis of lipid metabolism using TLC.

Environmental Chemistry Projects

• Analysis of heavy metal contamination in urban soils.
• Study of water quality parameters in local streams.
• Investigation of air pollution sources using atmospheric sampling.
• Study of the effects of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems.
• Analysis of microplastics in marine environments.
• Investigation of nutrient pollution in freshwater systems.
• Study of pesticide residues in agricultural soils.
• Analysis of landfill leachate contaminants.
• Investigation of emerging contaminants in drinking water.
• Study of oil spill remediation techniques.
• Analysis of pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants.
• Investigation of the effects of climate change on soil microbiota.
• Study of ozone depletion in the stratosphere.
• Analysis of indoor air pollutants in residential homes.
• Investigation of eutrophication in freshwater lakes.
• Study of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food chains.
• Analysis of heavy metal uptake in aquatic plants.
• Investigation of the effects of deforestation on soil erosion.
• Study of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities.
• Analysis of pollutants in urban stormwater runoff.

Interdisciplinary Chemistry Projects

• Development of nanomaterials for drug delivery applications.
• Study of the chemistry of art conservation and restoration.
• Investigation of the role of chemistry in renewable energy technologies.
• Study of the chemistry of food preservation techniques.
• Analysis of chemical communication in ecological systems.
• Investigation of the chemistry of brewing and fermentation.
• Study of the chemistry of cosmetics and personal care products.
• Analysis of the chemistry of natural and synthetic dyes.
• Investigation of the chemistry of perfume formulation.
• Study of the chemistry of materials science and engineering.
• Analysis of the chemistry of medicinal plants and herbal remedies.
• Investigation of the chemistry of wine production and aging.
• Study of the chemistry of biodegradable plastics.
• Analysis of the chemistry of flavor compounds in foods.
• Investigation of the chemistry of natural products and pharmaceuticals.
• Study of the chemistry of soil fertility and nutrient cycling.
• Analysis of the chemistry of water treatment technologies.
• Investigation of the chemistry of alternative fuels.
• Study of the chemistry of insecticides and pest control.
• Analysis of the chemistry of nanotechnology applications.

Advanced Chemistry Projects

• Synthesis and characterization of novel organic frameworks.
• Investigation of reaction mechanisms using computational chemistry.
• Study of advanced spectroscopic techniques for molecular analysis.
• Analysis of chemical kinetics using ultrafast laser spectroscopy.
• Investigation of catalytic reactions using surface science techniques.
• Study of quantum chemistry principles and applications.
• Analysis of supramolecular assemblies and host-guest interactions.
• Investigation of molecular modeling and simulation methods.
• Study of advanced materials for energy storage and conversion.
• Analysis of chemical dynamics and reaction kinetics.
• Investigation of organometallic catalysis for organic synthesis.
• Study of advanced techniques in NMR spectroscopy.
• Analysis of photochemical reactions and photophysics.
• Investigation of electron transfer processes in biological systems .
• Study of theoretical approaches to chemical bonding.
• Analysis of advanced electrochemical techniques.
• Investigation of non-covalent interactions in molecular recognition.
• Study of advanced techniques in mass spectrometry.
• Analysis of quantum dots and their applications in nanotechnology.
• Investigation of chemical sensors and biosensors.

Chemistry Education Projects

• Development of interactive chemistry teaching modules.
• Investigation of inquiry-based learning approaches in chemistry education.
• Study of the use of multimedia resources in chemistry instruction.
• Analysis of student misconceptions in chemistry learning.
• Investigation of the effectiveness of laboratory experiments in teaching chemistry concepts.
• Study of collaborative learning strategies in chemistry education.
• Analysis of the integration of technology in chemistry classrooms.
• Investigation of the role of assessment in promoting conceptual understanding in chemistry.
• Study of the impact of hands-on activities on student engagement in chemistry.
• Analysis of the use of real-world applications to enhance chemistry learning.
• Investigation of the implementation of flipped classroom models in chemistry education.
• Study of the development of critical thinking skills in chemistry students.
• Analysis of the role of feedback in improving student performance in chemistry.
• Investigation of the use of peer teaching and tutoring in chemistry education.
• Study of the incorporation of environmental chemistry concepts in the curriculum.
• Analysis of the influence of classroom climate on student motivation in chemistry.
• Investigation of the role of metacognition in chemistry problem-solving.
• Study of the use of concept maps and graphic organizers in chemistry instruction.
• Analysis of the impact of teacher professional development on student achievement in chemistry.
• Investigation of the use of authentic assessments in chemistry education.

Chemistry Outreach Projects

• Development of chemistry demonstration shows for public outreach events.
• Investigation of community-based science education programs in chemistry.
• Study of chemistry-themed science fairs and competitions.
• Analysis of chemistry outreach activities in underserved communities.
• Investigation of the role of science communication in promoting chemistry awareness.
• Study of chemistry-themed podcasts and educational videos.
• Analysis of chemistry outreach efforts in museums and science centers.
• Investigation of chemistry-themed summer camps and workshops.
• Study of chemistry outreach initiatives in schools and universities.
• Analysis of chemistry outreach efforts on social media platforms.
• Investigation of the impact of chemistry outreach on public perception of science.
• Study of chemistry-themed citizen science projects.
• Analysis of chemistry outreach programs for adults and lifelong learners.
• Investigation of the use of storytelling in chemistry outreach.
• Study of chemistry-themed art and literature projects.
• Analysis of chemistry outreach collaborations with industry partners.
• Investigation of the role of role models and mentors in chemistry outreach.
• Study of chemistry-themed escape rooms and puzzle games.
• Analysis of chemistry outreach efforts during national science weeks.
• Investigation of the use of virtual reality and augmented reality in chemistry outreach.
• Study of chemistry-themed science cafés and public lectures.
• Analysis of the impact of chemistry outreach on career aspirations in STEM fields.

Chemistry projects offer a dynamic and engaging way to explore the diverse facets of chemical science. Whether synthesizing new compounds, analyzing environmental samples, or unraveling biochemical processes, these projects foster curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation.

By delving into various chemistry project topics, students and enthusiasts can deepen their understanding of the world’s chemical complexity while contributing to scientific knowledge and societal progress.

So, let’s embark on this exciting journey of discovery and uncover the wonders of chemistry together!

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Chemistry articles from across Nature Portfolio

Chemistry is a branch of science that involves the study of the composition, structure and properties of matter. Often known as the central science, it is a creative discipline chiefly concerned with atomic and molecular structure and its change, for instance through chemical reactions.

Unlocking the geometry of bonding

A high-symmetry tetrahedral cage made using smaller tripodal cages at its four vertices shows a high surface area for CO 2 and SF 6 adsorption.

• Fangzhou Li
• Chenfeng Ke

Artificial metalloenzyme for the enantiodivergent synthesis of isoindolones

An artificial metalloenzyme based on streptavidin with a biotinylated Rh(III) cofactor provides enantioselective access to various isoindolones with different functional groups. Rational engineering of the streptavidin scaffold reverses the stereoselectivity, offering an enantiodivergent method for the synthesis of isoindolones.

Solvent reorganization model takes the lead

Accurately modeling CO 2 electroreduction is key to advancing the technology and understanding its productivity and CO 2 utilization trends. Now, Marcus–Hush–Chidsey theory offers accurate predictions of experimental results, leading to further insights beyond reaction kinetics.

• Ahmad Elgazzar
• Haotian Wang

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Latest Research and Reviews

Low-temperature formation of pyridine and (iso)quinoline via neutral–neutral reactions

A pathway towards the formation of pyridine and (iso)quinoline, precursors to DNA and RNA, is revealed for conditions appropriate to Saturn’s moon Titan and the Taurus molecular cloud, providing insight into the synthesis of prebiotic molecules in space.

• Zhenghai Yang
• Ralf I. Kaiser

Synergistic growth of nickel and platinum nanoparticles via exsolution and surface reaction

Utilizing “Chemistry at a point”, Ni is exsolved from a perovskite lattice under deposited Pt nanoparticles. This yields even smaller Ni Pt alloy nanoparticles on a perovskite nanofiber structure, exhibiting high catalytic activity.

• Yukwon Jeon
• John T. S. Irvine

Phase segregation and nanoconfined fluid O 2 in a lithium-rich oxide cathode

Lithium-rich oxygen-redox cathodes demonstrate high capacities, but lose energy density when cycled, showing cation disordering and formation of nanovoids and bulk molecular O 2 . These structural changes are shown to be a consequence of a kinetically viable and thermodynamically favoured local phase segregation mechanism.

• Samuel W. Coles
• M. Saiful Islam

Electrochemical-repaired porous graphene membranes for precise ion-ion separation

The preparation of atom-thick lattices with Å-scale pores is desirable for achieving ion selectivity and high ion flux. Here authors present a cm-scale membrane made of atom-thick graphene film hosting zero-dimensional pores spanning only a few Å, repaired using an in situ electrochemical strategy, yielding high Li + /Mg 2+ separation performance.

• Zongyao Zhou
• Kangning Zhao
• Kumar Varoon Agrawal

Kidney stone growth through the lens of Raman mapping

• John W. Robinson
• William W. Roberts
• Adam J. Matzger

Two-dimensional metal–organic framework for post-synthetic immobilization of graphene quantum dots for photoluminescent sensing

Graphene quantum dots have versatile properties, but their luminescence can be quenched when the dots aggregate. Here, the authors immobilize graphene quantum dots on 2D MOF sheets and demonstrate their photoluminescence in suspension and as a dry powder, and show their application in copper ion sensing.

• You-Liang Chen
• Darwin Kurniawan
• Chung-Wei Kung

News and Comment

New route to target RAS

• M. Teresa Villanueva

Join the club

Following the success of our current journal club collaborations, we would like to encourage more groups of early-career researchers to get involved.

Reinvent oil refineries for a net-zero future

From petrol to plastics, oil-derived products define modern life. A bold plan to change that comes with huge costs — but researchers and policymakers should take it seriously.

Deciding the future of adipic acid

John Steele and Stephen Wallace discuss recent advances in the chemical and biotechnological synthesis of the prolific platform chemical adipic acid.

• John F. C. Steele
• Stephen Wallace

Withstanding californium’s RADiolysis

Radiation-induced redox chemistry is an important consideration for practical applications such as production and storage of nuclear fuels. Furthering our fundamental understanding of radioactive elements, here, the decay kinetics of californium in the presence of common anionic compounds is studied.

• Rachel Meyer
• Mikaela Pyrch
• Ambarneil Saha

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144 AP Research Topics For Your Excellence

Are you looking for the best AP research topics? We know that most students don’t know what makes a topic excellent. In fact, most students don’t even bother to look for great ideas. But did you know that the quality of your topics can significantly influence the grade you get on your research paper? AP research papers are not easy to write, so you need all the help you can get.

In this blog post, we will discuss the AP seminar course and provide you with 144 topics for your next research paper. All our topics can be used for free, so don’t hesitate to pick one right now.

Whast Is AP Seminar?

So, what is the AP seminar course and why do you need topics for it? The AP seminar is an interdisciplinary course that aims to teach students critical thinking skills, as well as strong academic research and writing skills.

The final exam is more difficult than the average test because you need to write an essay. It goes without saying that this research paper should be written perfectly if you are to get a top grade.

The Best 144 AP Seminar Topics

Since the exam consists of a research paper, you should make sure you have access to the best AP seminar topics. These topics need to be original and very interesting if you want your essay to stand out from the rest. The good news is that we have a list of 144 awesome AP research topics right here on this page. And yes, you can use any of these ideas for free. Check out our list below:

Easy AP Seminar Topics

If you are looking to get the job done as quickly as possible, we recommend you give our easy AP seminar topics a try:

• The best food waste solutions in the US
• Discuss a genetically modified plant
• Analyze the future of the Snow Leopard population
• The effects of pesticides
• Discuss the rise in GDP in the EU
• What is the role of art in modern education?
• Discuss global warming effects in Asia
• The effects of climate change on oceans
• Best ways to save money in college
• The advantages of an electric vehicle
• Research pollution caused by intensive farming
• Negative effects of noise pollution
• Discuss gun control in the United States

AP Physics Research Ideas

If you are enrolled in an AP physics course, you may be very interested in the following list of AP physics research ideas:

• Discuss Einstein’s Photoelectric Effect model
• Research wave particle duality
• What is quantum entanglement?
• Research dark matter theories
• Talk about the unified field theory
• Analyze an energy system of your choice
• Discuss practical applications of biophysics

Interesting AP Research Topic Ideas

Are you looking for the most interesting AP research topic ideas? You have arrived at the right place. Here is our list of ideas for students enrolled in an AP course:

• The idea of free medical services for everyone
• Current problems in the US education system
• Saving the Javan rhinoceros
• Environmental disasters caused by deforestation
• Saving an endangered species of your choice
• Best way to solve the climate change problem
• The role of the ozone layer
• Saving the Blue whale
• The best way to care for autistic children
• A sure fire way to reverse global warming
• Saving the Dodo bird

AP Human Geography Topics

Are you interested in writing an essay for your AP human geography course? Pick one of these great AP human geography topics right now:

• Research the population density increase in the US
• Population decline in Eastern Europe
• Research the immigration policies of China
• Worst effects of poor immigration policies
• The causes of immigration in Afghanistan
• Immigration in Mexico
• Discuss a political pattern of your choice
• Research the historical geography of Greece
• Discuss rural geography in Australia
• What is health geography?
• The cultural geography of India
• The economic geography of North Korea

Best AP Research Questions

Our team of expert writers and professional editors has put together a list of the best AP research questions for students. Check it out below:

• What are effects of texting on high school students?
• Is math required for the exploration of space?
• What’s wrong with a genetically modified organism?
• Should we increase the voting age in the US?
• What was the worst war in the Middle Ages?
• Why is the War on Drugs important?
• Should military service be mandatory in the UK?
• What are some good habits for improving physical wellbeing?
• Which is a better pet, a cat or a dog?
• How can you improve your grades in college?
• How can you improve your academic writing skills?
• What are the oldest human settlements in Europe?
• Is Instagram good for marketing?
• Should we ban advertising to children?

Great AP Seminar Themes

Are you looking for a list of great AP seminar themes? No problem, we have some excellent ideas for you below:

• Discuss practical applications of optical physics
• Practical application of nanotechnology
• Methods to obtain plasma
• The basics of fusion physics
• Should cigarettes be illegal?
• The negative effects of dieting
• The negative effects of homework

AP Macroeconomics Topics

Looking for a nice topic for your AP macroeconomics course? Take a look at our AP macroeconomics topics and pick the one you like:

• Analyze the national income of an Asian country
• Discuss unemployment in the United States
• International trade relations of the UK post-Brexit
• Research international finance during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The role of inflation in the banking system
• Output and consumption of bread in a country of your choice
• Research GDP growth in the European Union
• Research sustainable economic growth in the US
• The balance of payments equilibrium in the United Kingdom
• Discuss the state budget of the US in 2023
• Reducing the impact of inflation in the EU
• The role of banks in a healthy economy

AP Computer Science Topics

Of course, we have more than enough awesome AP computer science topics for students. Take a look at our ideas and select the best one for your needs:

• Best sorting algorithm in 2023
• Discuss a data encryption algorithm
• Research the risks posed by ecommerce
• Computer programming best practices
• Data mining in 2023
• The role of Big Data in the banking industry
• Research the Internet of Things

Complex AP Seminar Research Topics

If you want to write about a more complex topic, you can do so. Here are some complex AP seminar research topics you can choose from:

• Benefits of using 3D printers for prosthetics
• Analyze wealth inequality in China
• Subsidized housing in the United States
• The abolishment of abortion in the US
• The ethics of the death penalty

AP World History Research Paper Topics

We have some topics for students enrolled in an AP world history class. New AP world history research paper topics are added weekly:

• Weapons in ancient times
• The colonization of South America
• Research the roman concrete
• What caused the 30 Years war?
• The effects of the crusades on Europe
• Industrial advancements in ancient Rome
• The benefits of monarchy in Europe

AP Biology Research Topics

Our list wouldn’t be complete without these interesting AP biology research topics. Choose one of them and start writing your paper today:

• Research the first occurrence of the Covid-19 virus
• Best ways to recover an endangered species
• Analyze the practical application of astrobiology
• The biology of cancer
• Research the osmosis effect
• Carbohydrates versus lipids in the human body

AP Chemistry Research Topics

We know, chemistry is not an easy subject to write a paper about. However, our AP chemistry research topics are relatively simple:

• The atomic structure of carbon
• Love as a chemically-induced feeling
• The effects of acids on your teeth
• Analyze a polymer of your choice
• Talk about gene modification in 2023
• Discuss the photocatalysis effect
• Are emotions a result of chemical reactions?

AP Capstone Research Topics

Looking for a great topic for your capstone? Our team managed to compile a list of unique AP capstone research topics right here:

• Discuss the future of the automotive industry
• The effects of social media on teenagers in the United States
• Prevention of brain injury in contact sports
• Discuss the best global food security strategies
• Research the science behind weather forecasting
• Discuss the concept of imposed democracy in Africa
• The impact of the United Nations on world peace

AP US History Research Paper Topics

Students who are enrolled in an AP United States history course will be thrilled to learn that we have a list of excellent AP US history research paper topics:

• What led to the Cold War?
• Research major battles in the Mexican-American War
• The effects of the Great Depression on the American economy
• Research the effects of Europeans on Native Americans
• Social movements during the prolonged war in Vietnam

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Summer students act as an important catalyst for research

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Investing in undergraduate projects advances science and develops future researchers

Summer projects offer an exciting window into the world of research. For undergraduates, practical chemistry is confined to the structured experience of teaching labs – a far cry from the day-to-day reality of working in this field. Often the lack of context for techniques and experiments means students struggle to see the applications of the skills they are learning, or how those experiments connect to the wider world.

Source: © Julie MacLeod

Abigayle Boyce is now doing a PhD in organometallic chemistry – something she didn’t consider before her summer placement

Placements therefore provide a valuable opportunity: a chance for students to dip their toes into research, building on existing skills and tackling real-world problems. ‘These projects give a wider overview of why we’re doing chemistry,’ says Stephen Mansell , a catalysis researcher at Heriot-Watt University, UK. ‘They give students the experience of what research is really like and that will definitely help them decide whether they want to carry on with chemistry as a career.’

A summer placement between the second and third year of his undergraduate degree was an important part of Mansell’s chemistry journey. ‘There are always hard points in university and I think second year was probably one of them,’ he says. ‘Having that opportunity to work in a lab enabled me to boost my skills and I started third year feeling much more confident and with experiments going better.’ This newfound confidence and interest in research was ultimately a vital stepping stone on the way to Mansell’s current position as an assistant professor. In the years since, he has been keen to ensure that others enjoy the benefit of similar opportunities, hosting 10 summer students over the last 10 years.

Source: Courtesy of Stephen Mansell

Having been inspired by his own undergraduate placement, Stephen Mansell regularly hosts students in his lab over the summer

Placements aren’t only beneficial for the undergraduates. These short-term positions offer an excellent opportunity for permanent group members to gain mentoring experience by supervising the placement students. ‘Often PhDs don’t realise all of the useful and specialist skills that they’ve built up over two or three years,’ says Mansell. ‘I think it’s quite a confidence boost for them to feel that they know enough to teach somebody else about it.’

Many academics also have more projects than group members available to work on them so an enthusiastic pair of hands can be really helpful to drive these dormant projects forwards.

An eye-opening experience

Mansell is adamant that these vital contributions by summer students should be recognised and a recent paper from the group, 1 exploring the design of an improved rhodium C–H borylation catalyst, names three summer students who contributed results to the project over three consecutive years. ‘It’s predominantly the work of PhD student Paul Morton , and the undergraduate summer students explored different topics around it,’ Mansell explains. ‘ Abigayle Boyce worked on forming the tethered carbene ligands and hexane borylation, Lennox Stewart ran and analysed some of the catalytic reactions, and Anamarija Pišpek did the computational chemistry with Stuart Macgregor .’

Boyce, Stewart, and Pišpek have all since started or secured PhDs and cite their summer placements with Mansell as a key part of their respective decisions. ‘I was a Covid graduate so when I took part in the summer project, we didn’t have lab experience and I’d really lost my confidence in chemistry,’ says Boyce. ‘I’m so grateful that I got the experience – I ended up loving it so much that I went on to do a PhD in organometallic chemistry, which I wouldn’t have even considered previously.’

Source: Courtesy of Lennox Stewart

Lennox Stewart was able to gain practical skills missed when teaching labs were cancelled due to Covid-19

The two years of intense Covid restrictions had a profound impact on how undergraduates learnt chemistry, with social distancing rules requiring departments to rapidly develop alternatives to traditional teaching labs. ‘We were meant to get one lab session a semester and they had shortened the experiments. We did the first one, but then there was the second lockdown and that was pretty much it,’ recalls Boyce. ‘You just had to watch a video or read a script and then you would be given sets of data to write the lab report. We basically had no practical skills and chemistry stopped being fun.’

‘Going into fourth year we’d have to do an independent project and I was concerned that I would have no idea what I was doing,’ explains Stewart. ‘There were so many individual skills that we’d just missed completely.’

During their placements, Boyce and Stewart were able to practise their underutilised lab skills, building confidence in the basics and learning a raft of unfamiliar specialist techniques such as using Schlenk lines and glove boxes. The complex analysis required to interpret the outcomes of their experiments also allowed the pair to put their theoretical knowledge of characterisation techniques like x-ray crystallography, 2D NMR and gas chromatography into practise for the first time.

Almost as soon as I finished the project I knew I really wanted to do a PhD Abigayle Boyce

The more relaxed timescale of placements compared with teaching labs reduces the time pressure on individual experiments and gives students time to think about what they’re doing and why, says Mansell. He adds that this focus on the bigger picture, rather than generating the perfect lab report, is a much more realistic view of chemistry research and isn’t the only surprise for undergraduate students. ‘We often set them tasks where we don’t know the answer so the interactions between supervisors and research students are really important. It’s much more of a discussion than they expect.’

Being immersed in a research group was particularly eye-opening for Boyce. ‘I loved the collaborative aspect, learning the process of research from other people, and the freedom and creativity of the work,’ she says. ‘Almost as soon as I finished the project I knew I really wanted to do a PhD.’ 

Industry involvement

The support of Johnson Matthey through their Platinum Group Metals (PGM) award scheme was key to facilitating Boyce and Stewart’s work. ‘There isn’t really any consumables budget from the university for summer students so you’ve got to have the chemicals in place or some other funding,’ explains Mansell. ‘Johnson Matthey’s involvement in this project was crucial – without the loan of rhodium trichloride we’d have had to abandon the rhodium project completely.’

Source: © Stephen Mansell

Three undergraduates contributed to different aspects of the catalyst design – and their involvment meant Johnson Matthey contributed a crucial supply of rhodium (green)

As part of their leadership in sustainable technologies, Johnson Matthey’s PGM scheme loans out small amounts of platinum group metals (which typically cost hundreds of pounds per gram) to facilitate research into new applications of these catalytic elements. Any research waste is then returned to the company, which can recover most of the precious metal through its on-site recycling facility, later making this material available to other teams. All researchers are welcome to apply but the organising team are particularly keen to support projects that widen participation or bring new researchers into the field. ‘We supplied Stephen with 5g of rhodium metal – at today’s market price that’s around £580,’ says Barbara Breeze , a senior principal scientist at Johnson Matthey. ‘We’re delighted that this award supported three summer students and has resulted in a journal publication.’

Johnson Matthey, like many other companies in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, also offers its own summer placements on-site, providing two-week experiences for A-level students and longer placement opportunities for over-18s. ‘Building that talent pipeline is critical. Obviously if we’re going to meet the energy transition and sustainability goals, we need as many chemists, engineers, and scientists going into this field as we can,’ says Breeze. ‘Student placements enable us to train up and enthuse talented individuals for a career in industry, with the potential to hire these individuals after they’ve completed their studies.’

Most of Johnson Matthey’s summer placements are initiated by students sending a CV and covering letter expressing their interest in the experiences they would like to gain. This contact often inspires and shapes the resulting project and this is exactly how Gareth Hart , now a research scientist at Johnson Matthey, secured his placement between school and university in 2018. ‘I wanted to develop skills and understand the chemistry in industry better – I really saw myself wanting to work at the interface of academia and industry,’ he says.

Being in that team environment is really conducive to developing good collaborative skills Gareth Hart

Over the course of two months, Hart worked on a variety of projects across health, metal recycling and platinum group metals and was particularly excited by how the specific skills developed in an academic environment applied in an industrial setting. The contrast with academic chemistry, especially regarding the relative importance of safety, scaling and lifecycle considerations, was completely new and Hart recalls how he was supported by the various site teams as he built an understanding of these different industrial priorities.

In addition to the extensive technical experience gained from this placement, the opportunity also enabled Hart to develop soft skills that are often overlooked in undergraduate study. ‘Summer placements can be one of the first experiences of significant teamwork within science for students so being in that team environment is really conducive to developing good collaborative skills,’ he explains. ‘Communication is another key one – reporting findings and putting them into presentation format for digestion by others.’

This positive experience crystallised Hart’s career ambitions to work at the intersection of academia and industry and in 2021 he returned to Johnson Matthey as a research scientist. ‘There was always a strong desire to return here having seen all of the great science and the impact that it can have on the world,’ he explains.

Investing in the future workforce

The majority of the chemistry community recognises the value of these opportunities and most academic institutions and commercial organisations are happy to be approached by interested students. But finding a suitable position is just the first step – funding these placements is also hugely important. ‘Unpaid placements can only benefit a real subset. It’s got to be paid if it’s going to be fair and accessible to everyone,’ says Mansell. ‘But there’s no centralised system or regulation to ensure that the funding’s there and it’s up to each university or organisation to decide how much they want to put into summer placements.’

Large companies such as Johnson Matthey often have a budget allocated for outreach and summer placements so it’s always worth asking the question, says Hart. ‘Johnson Matthey are also heavily involved with the RSC’s Broadening Horizons scheme, which offers a structured route for disadvantaged or underrepresented students to obtain summer placements and mentorship,’ he says.

More broadly, there are several national schemes in place to support these opportunities in academia, or where this outreach budget isn’t available. The RSC offers Undergraduate Research Bursaries for six to eight week summer placements each year and students are invited to submit a project proposal with their chosen supervisor to apply for funding. UKRI also recently changed its regulations, allowing universities to divert any leftover funding from PhD studentships to support summer placements.

How to fund these projects and where the responsibility should lie is difficult to determine but it’s clear these opportunities are a valuable investment in the future of the chemical sciences workforce. ‘Doing a summer placement absolutely changed the path of my life,’ says Boyce. ‘It empowers you to make the decision about your future in chemistry and without it, I would be going down a completely different path.’

1 PA Morton et al , Organometallics,  2024, DOI:  10.1021/acs.organomet.4c00025

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A wild orangutan used a medicinal plant to treat a wound, scientists say

Scientists say they’ve observed an orangutan named Rakus appearing to treat a wound with medicine from a tropical plant. It’s the latest example of how some animals attempt to soothe their own ills with remedies found in the wild.

This combination of photos provided by the Suaq foundation shows a facial wound on Rakus, a wild male Sumatran orangutan in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia, on June 23, 2022, two days before he applied chewed leaves from a medicinal plant, left, and on Aug. 25, 2022, after his facial wound was barely visible. (Armas, Safruddin/Suaq foundation via AP)

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This photo provided by the Suaq foundation shows Rakus, a wild male Sumatran orangutan in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia, on Aug. 25, 2022, after his facial wound was barely visible. Two months earlier, researchers observed him apply chewed leaves from a plant, used throughout Southeast Asia to treat pain and inflammation and to kill bacteria, to the wound. (Safruddin/Suaq foundation via AP)

This photo provided by the Suaq foundation shows a facial wound on Rakus, a wild male Sumatran orangutan in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia, on June 23, 2022, two days before he applied chewed leaves from a plant, used throughout Southeast Asia to treat pain and inflammation and to kill bacteria, to the wound. (Armas/Suaq foundation via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — An orangutan appeared to treat a wound with medicine from a tropical plant— the latest example of how some animals attempt to soothe their own ills with remedies found in the wild, scientists reported Thursday.

Scientists observed Rakus pluck and chew up leaves of a medicinal plant used by people throughout Southeast Asia to treat pain and inflammation. The adult male orangutan then used his fingers to apply the plant juices to an injury on the right cheek. Afterward, he pressed the chewed plant to cover the open wound like a makeshift bandage, according to a new study in Scientific Reports .

Previous research has documented several species of great apes foraging for medicines in forests to heal themselves, but scientists hadn’t yet seen an animal treat itself in this way.

“This is the first time that we have observed a wild animal applying a quite potent medicinal plant directly to a wound,” said co-author Isabelle Laumer, a biologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany.

The orangutan’s intriguing behavior was recorded in 2022 by Ulil Azhari, a co-author and field researcher at the Suaq Project in Medan, Indonesia. Photographs show the animal’s wound closed within a month without any problems.

Scientists have been observing orangutans in Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser National Park since 1994, but they hadn’t previously seen this behavior.

“It’s a single observation,” said Emory University biologist Jacobus de Roode, who was not involved in the study. “But often we learn about new behaviors by starting with a single observation.”

“Very likely it’s self-medication,” said de Roode, adding that the orangutan applied the plant only to the wound and no other body part.

It’s possible Rakus learned the technique from other orangutans living outside the park and away from scientists’ daily scrutiny, said co-author Caroline Schuppli at Max Planck.

Rakus was born and lived as a juvenile outside the study area. Researchers believe the orangutan got hurt in a fight with another animal. It’s not known whether Rakus earlier treated other injuries.

Scientists have previously recorded other primates using plants to treat themselves.

Bornean orangutans rubbed themselves with juices from a medicinal plant, possibly to reduce body pains or chase away parasites.

Chimpanzees in multiple locations have been observed chewing on the shoots of bitter-tasting plants to soothe their stomachs. Gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos swallow certain rough leaves whole to get rid of stomach parasites.

“If this behavior exists in some of our closest living relatives, what could that tell us about how medicine first evolved?” said Tara Stoinski, president and chief scientific officer of the nonprofit Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, who had no role in the study.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.