Fuel Cells and Electrolysis

The poster shown above depicts the various types of fuel cells, the amount of power produced by each, and a typical use for each. The poster also shows the recycling process of electrolysis producing hydrogen to power a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.  The chemistry involved in the electrolysis process and the PEM fuel cell are also shown along with a dismantle able PEM fuel cell and a PEM fuel cell car.  Resources for gathering further information are included.

Electrolysis & Fuel Cell Instructional Video

In order for students to be prepared to study electrolysis and fuel cells, they need to have an understanding of basic chemistry.  The following topics are prerequisites for the electrolysis and fuel cell activities in this unit.   I have included a few aids for teaching these concepts on my website and in the booklet available for checkout with the model fuel cell car.     Click here for prerequisite page. 

• We use these activities in my physical science classroom to perform electrolysis and demonstrate how fuel cells function using the hydrogen produced through electrolysis.
• You can view and print the activity sheets I have developed to use with my students.  Please note the preliminary lessons and demos necessary for students to be successful with the activity sheets.
• You can check out a fuel cell and electrolysis activity box from MSU.
• The US Department of Energy has developed a nice activity guide for using fuel cells in the middle school classroom.  It is pictured below and can be accessed at the following website.  http://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/education/printable_versions/middle_school.html