Lesson Description:
Scientists are constantly in search of alternate sources of energy that are environmentally friendly and do not deplete the earth’s supply of fossil fuels.  Because of their portable and rechargeable nature, fuel cells hold great potential as a future power source for everything from cars, to laptops, to cell phones.

In this project, students investigate the workings of fuel cells with that of a combustion engine to examine, first hand, the pros and cons of each source. Once the experiment and research are completed, students spread the word about why everyone should care about fuel cell technology.

http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/wue/energy3_overview.html
This project incorporates elements of the scientific method.

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Lesson Type:

• Project

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Sustainability Topic:

• Energy

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GEF Program Category:

• Green Energy Challenge

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Standards Addressed:

North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Excellence in Environmental Education

• Guidelines for learning: http://naaee.org/npeee/learner_guidelines.html
• Strand 1—Questioning and analysis skills (guidelines a, b, c, d, e, g) -strand 2.2—the living environment (a, c, d)
• Strand 2.3—Humans and their societies (c, e)
• Strand 2.4—Environment and society (a, b)
• Strand 3.1—Skills for analyzing and investigating environmental issues (a, b, c, d)
• Strand 3.2—Decision-making and citizenship skills (a, b, c, d)
• Strand 4—Personal and civic responsibility (b, c)

Technology Foundation Standards for Students

• Guidelines for learning: http://www.iste.org/standards
• Standard 1: Basic operations and concepts
• Standard 3: Technology productivity tools
• Standard 4: Technology communications tools
• Standard 5: Technology research tools

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