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Teaching children the power of hydrogen

A comprehensive learning programme teaches school children about the power of hydrogen energy using a range of fun and engaging activities.

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Understanding how renewable energy sources like hydrogen work is the key to creating the sustainable societies of tomorrow. Because children are our future, this process must start in schools – which is exactly what the EU-funded FCHgo project did. “Despite hydrogen being the most abundant element in the universe and considering the huge role it could play in creating a sustainable future, it is largely ignored in European schools,” says Tiziana Altiero, a professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (website in Italian) and FCHgo project coordinator. The project aimed to bring hydrogen energy into the classroom and encourage children aged 8 to 18 to discover how H2 can revolutionise energy, mobility – and more. “By participating in FCHgo, pupils not only acquire knowledge about hydrogen, but also build key competencies in the essential STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” adds Altiero.

Energising students

According to Altiero, energy, especially renewable energy, is a fascinating subject for children of all ages. The key is presenting it in an interesting and engaging way. “When explained using simple metaphors and images, kids can easily comprehend the power of energy,” she says. “Even easily bored students get excited about chemical and physical processes when they are connected to real-life applications like cars.” To help make this connection, the project developed the FCHgo toolkit. As Altiero explains, one part of the toolkit is geared towards translating simple energy principles for primary school students, while the other showcases the opportunities of hydrogen and fuel cell technology for secondary students. The project also provided teachers with practical training on implementing the toolkit in their lessons. The toolkit includes ready-to-teach materials that utilise a range of games, stories, film and plays. It even features an interactive animated story about hydrogen, fuel cells and energy. “One very popular feature is the energy role-playing scenarios that have students write their own energy stories and act them out,” notes Altiero. “Several students dramatised how a fuel cell converts hydrogen into energy for driving a car.”

Hydrogen goes home

Between September 2019 and February 2020, over 1 500 students in 75 classrooms in Denmark, Germany, Italy, Poland and Switzerland got hands-on experience with the power of hydrogen. But then COVID-19 happened, and classrooms went dark. “The pandemic completely changed our approach,” remarks Altiero. “Like teachers everywhere, we had to quickly adapt our lessons for an online, distance-learning world.” The outcome was FCHgo at Home – a toolkit specifically designed to help educators and parents teach about the benefits of hydrogen from the home. The toolkit is full of fun activities and hydrogen-related experiments that students can do without leaving the house. The programme also includes videos where people working in the hydrogen economy discuss their jobs.

An overwhelming success

Despite this unexpected challenge, the project has been an overwhelming success. “The enthusiasm and creativity showed by the students – both in school and at home – shows how science, when properly framed, can be both exciting and engaging,” concludes Altiero. The project also organised an FCHgo Award, which saw teams of students submitting their visions for a hydrogen-powered future. Over 200 submissions were received, and organisers are now busy preparing for the second edition of the award.

Keywords

FCHgo, hydrogen, hydrogen energy, renewable energy, H2, energy, mobility, STEM, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, fuel cell, distance-learning

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