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Provided by: Science Journal for Kids |Published on: October 23, 2025
Lesson Plans
89
Synopsis
This lesson plan from Science Journal for Kids guides students to investigate hydrogen as a solution for renewable energy storage through a water-splitting (electrolysis) experiment, a storage-options ranking task, and a hydrogen fuel cell simulation.
Across four or more class periods, students read, experiment, analyze results, and communicate explanations about how hydrogen is produced and converted back to electricity using a fuel cell.
The sequence moves from conceptual limitations of renewables to hands-on electrolysis and an interactive fuel cell simulation, building a strong, phenomenon-based understanding.
Clear handouts, answer keys, and extension ideas make classroom implementation straightforward.
Prerequisites
Students should know the basics of atoms, molecules, simple reactions, and forms of energy.
Teachers may need to preview the terms electrolysis, ion, and fuel cell.
Teachers will need common lab supplies (plastic cups, 9V battery, thumb tacks, baking soda, or lemon juice) and access to the online SEPUP fuel cell simulation.
Teachers should note that the answer keys for some of the worksheets are in the same document on the following page. Teachers will want to keep this in mind while printing.
The link to the Hydrogen House in the slides presentation is broken.
Differentiation & Implementation
Teachers can allow pairs for the lab and small groups for the simulation write-up
For emerging learners, provide a labeled diagram template of a fuel cell and a word bank.
Teachers can extend advanced students with voltage/current measurements or comparing electrolytes.
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