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Hydrogen: Tomorrow's Energy Source

GM has teamed up with Weekly Reader to bring middle school classes a free curriculum focused on examining the major energy sources used today, as well as the benefits of using hydrogen for future energy needs.

The curriculum provides lessons and instruction for in-class activities that allow students to learn about the world’s increasing demands for energy while discovering the benefits and possibilities of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. It also promotes discussion on the impact different kinds of energy have on the economy, society and the environment, as well as the hydrogen economy and what is needed to stimulate its growth.

Supplemental information and interactive elements are available on the student sections of this web site.

Grade Level:

Anticipated Duration:

Download Lessons >>
4-5 class periods

 

Objectives:

The U.S. Department of Energy has said that hydrogen is the "man on the moon" for this generation. This curriculum will help your students better understand and appreciate this new energy source and technology that will certainly be fundamental in their future. The objectives of this program are to:

  • Explore the energy systems in place today;
  • Understand the current challenges and increasing energy demands;
  • Learn about hydrogen and the benefits of using it for our future energy needs;
  • Discover the possibilities of fuel cell technology and how it works; and
  • Cultivate an awareness of the hydrogen economy and what it will take to encourage the use of hydrogen as a primary source of energy.

National Standards:

  • Science
    • Structure and properties of matter
    • Sources and properties of energy
  • Technology
    • Relationships among science, technology, society and the individual
    • Nature and uses of different forms of technology
  • Geography
    • How human actions modify the physical environment
    • How physical systems affect human systems
    • Changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution and importance of resources
    • Global development and environmental issues
  • Mathematics
    • Strategies in the problem solving process
    • Properties of the concepts of numbers
    • Procedures while performing the processes of computation

Video:

Downloads in English:

Downloads in Spanish:

Related interactive material in student sections:

Related stories:

Non-GM Links on fuel cells and energy: