Fuel Cells   & Energy Sources
A Research Study

Bill Ganter - Young Middle Magnet School - 2006-2007

Subject (s)
  These lesson plans can be used in the areas of:  Science,    Mathematics, Research, Computer Technology, Robotics
Grade Level (s)
  These lessons are intended for seventh,
Time Frame
   WebQuest -4 weeks (includes Experiments and presentation time)
   Lab Experiments - #2 and #3 (3-5 days per topic)
Overview/Goals
   Students will research the history and importance of Hydrogen in their daily lives.
   Students will begin to understand the chemistry and physics of
   solar panels and fuel cells. 
   Students will use powerpoint presentation as they project format.
   Students will learn to measure and observe data and place the
   data in a table.
   Students will use the observed data to create graphs, and flow
   diagrams.
    Students will learn the present day uses of fuel cells and
    hydrogen. 
   Students will begin to understand the potential future for fuel
   cells and hydrogen in their lives and environment.
Key Words
  fuel cell,           solar panel,      hydrogen,     electrolysis,
 
anode,              cathode,           membrane,    direct current,
  proton exchange membrane,   intensity,       Volt,
   watt,                kilowatt hours, continuous radiation, divergent, "reversed LED", capacitors,    diodes,          short circuit current,  
   no-load voltage, multimeter,   resistance,    semiconductor,

How To
  Students will begin with the WebQuest on Fuel Cells, create a 20 slide presentation in PowerPoint, Make a presentation of same to the class for Peer Assessment.
  Students will do two lab experiments using the Fuel Cell Car and  Experiment Kit.
  Students will understand the processes of Electrolysis and Fuel Cell, the importance of Hydrogen as a fuel source, the operation of a Multimeter, solar panel, and other devices supplied in the kit.

Materials
computer,             powerpoint,      adobe acrobat reader,       Internet access,   Fuel Cell Car & Experiment Kit
Thames & Kosmos, LLC. Newport, RI USA
Franckh-Kosmos Vertags-GmbH & Co., Stuttgart, Germany
On-Line Resources
see WebQuest on Fuel Cells
Student Work
see WebQuest on Fuel Cells
Assessment
see WebQuest on Fuel Cells
Extensions
Students will continue working as teams.
Students will perform Experiments 4 - 12 in Fuel Cell Manual. Students will be creating graphs, solving formulas and using their mathematics skills on each experiment.
Students will use writing and presentation skills to present their final powerpoint project to their classmates and teacher.
Middle School
Florida State Standards
Science:    
THE NATURE OF MATTER
Standard 1
- The student understands that all matter has observable, measurable properties. (SC.A. 1.3)
Standard 2 -
The students understands the basic principles of atomic theory.  (SC.A.2.3.3)

ENERGY
Standard 1 - The student recognizes that energy may be changed in form with varying efficiency (SC.B.1.3)
Standard 2 -
The student understands the interaction of matter and energy. (SC.B.2.3)

FORCE AND MOTION
Standard 1 -
The student understands that types of motion may be described, measured, and predicted. (SC.C.1.3)
Standard 2 -
The student understands that the types of force that act on an object and the effect of that force can be described, measured, and predicted. (SC.C.2.3)

HOW LIVING THINGS INTERACT WITH THEIR ENVIRONMENT
Standard 1 -
The student understands the consequences of using limited natural resources.  (SC.G.2.3)
Standard 3 -
The student understands that, science, technology, and society are interwoven and interdependent.  (SC.H.3.3)

Social Studies:
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS
Standard 2 -
The student understands the interactions of people and the physical environment.  (SS.B.2.3)
ECONOMICS
Standard 1 -
The student understands how scarcity requires individuals and institutions to make choices about how to use resources. (SS.D.1.3

Mathematics:
ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Standard 2 -
The student uses expressions, equations, inequalities, graphs, and formulas to represent and interpret situations. (MA.D.1.3)

DATA ANALYSIS AND PROBABILITY
Standard 1 -
The student understands and uses the tools of data analysis for managing information. (MA.E.1.3