As a high school or introductory undergraduate Chemistry or Environmental Sciences teacher, you can use this set of computer-based tools to help you in teaching the basics of electrochemistry, electrolysis and the application of electrolysis in fuel cells as an alternative source of clean energy.
This lesson plan includes resources to teach about oxidation states, redox reactions, half-cell, cell potentials, electrolysis, and electrolytic cells. It includes a hands-on laboratory activity to teach your students about the application of electrolytic cells for energy generation from fuel cells. These fuel cells offer an alternative to fossil-fuel based energy production which is the main contributor to global warming and climate change.
Thus, the use of this lesson plan allows you to integrate the teaching of a climate science topic with a core topic in Chemistry or Environmental Sciences.
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Questions
Use this lesson plan to help your students find answers to:
What are redox reactions?
What is electrolysis? Give examples of electrolytic reactions.
What are the differences in voltaic/galvanic and electrolytic cells?
Describe the functioning of a fuel cell.
What is the importance of fuel cell technology in the context of climate change?
About Lesson Plan
Grade Level
High school, Introductory Undergraduate
Discipline
Chemistry, Environmental Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline
Electrochemistry, Reduction and Oxidation (Redox) Chemical Reactions,
Here is a step-by-step guide to using this lesson plan in the classroom/laboratory. We have suggested these steps as a possible plan of action. You may customize the lesson plan according to your preferences and requirements.
Step 1: Topic introduction and discussion
Use the teaching module, ‘Redox reactions and electrochemistry’ by Khan Academy to teach your students the basics of electrochemistry, oxidation states, oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, half-cells, cell potentials, galvanic/voltaic cells, and electrolysis.
Use the in-built examples and exercises to extend your students’ understanding of various electrochemistry concepts.
Emphasize on the process of electrolysis and electrolytic cells.
Use the case study, ‘Fuel Cells’ by LibreTextsTM, UC Davis, to introduce fuel cells, describe how they work, and discuss the different types of fuel cells.
Use the tool to describe the hydrogen fuel cell that is used to generate electricity, water, and heat and is used to power vehicles and even spacecraft.
With no byproduct of carbon emissions, discuss how this is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based energy production.
Describe the other fuel cell types and discuss the benefits and limitations of fuel cells.
Step 4: Apply understanding with a set of hands on laboratory exercises
Use a set of 3 hands on laboratory exercises- ‘Intro to Fuel Cells’, ‘Build a Fuel Cell’, and ‘Fuel Cell Characterization’ by Michael Fitzgerald, Cornell Center for Materials Research, to enable your students to apply their understanding of the various electrochemistry concepts discussed in this lesson plan. You may choose to conduct all or few of these activities.
Note: All the laboratory exercises are structured as complete teaching modules- with learning objectives, background information, step-by-step instructions for conducting the activity, evaluation exercises, and discussion points- and are available for downloading.
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