Learning Goals
Students will understand:
- In a “hydrogen economy,“ hydrogen is used to power our cars, homes, and businesses.
- Hydrogen can be made from abundant and diverse resources found in the United States.
- Fuel cells use hydrogen to create electricity with the only byproducts being water and heat
(no pollutants or other emissions are released). - Fuel cells can be used to power almost anything from laptops and phones to cars and homes.
- Just like gasoline and other fuels, hydrogen can be used safely.
Materials List
Handouts
- Mystery Scientist #1 (pg 8-10)
- Student Reading #1 (pg 67)
- Student Reading #2 (pg 69-70)
- Hindenburg Questionnaire (pg 71)
- Mystery Scientist #2 (pg 76-77)
- Fuel Cell Application Readings (pg 89-93)
- Student Activity Sheet (pg 99)
- Science Journals
Group Supplies
- 1 6V Lantern battery or solar panel & light
- Tap water
- 2 Alligator clip test leads
- 2 Pieces of 6cm x 10cm aluminum foil
- Salt
- 400-1000mL Clear beaker or small clear plastic tub
- Art Materials (construction paper, markers, colored paper)
Important Links
- Unit Summary
- Lesson origin at the U.S. Department of Energy
- YouTube Video: Fuel Cell Animation
- Slide Serve: How is Hydrogen Produced, Delivered, and Stored? Slide Set