Electrochemistry Lab: Students Silver Plate Holiday Ornaments

As part of their study of redox reactions and electrochemistry, Mount Madonna School’s sophomore class participated in a hands-on lab activity by silver plating holiday ornaments.  

‘To enhance their understanding of oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry principles, students completed a complex series of chemical reactions to coat glass ornament balls with a thin layer of pure silver,’ explained high school science teacher Lisa Catterall. ‘This process is how mirrors and Christmas ornaments were made a long time ago. It results in a beautiful, old-fashioned, layered effect of silver on glass.’

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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Marketing & Communications,

Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.