UK STEM and OASES developed an exciting project called H2 the Future, which was funded by The Institution of Engineering and Technology. 778 pupils from Primary and Secondary schools took part in a H2 the Future workshop from schools across the Tees Valley and South Durham area, where they got to build and power a hydrogen buggy
Primary School Sessions
Pupils started off by learning about energy (what it is, how it is stored and how it is converted, through practical activities), such as demonstrating potential energy using elastic bands and wind-up toys, finding different types of energy in the classroom and creating simple circuits. Pupils then learnt about transport (how transport has changed over time and how changing energy systems will impact transport in the future), creating a transport timeline to see how and why transport has changed over the course of human history and discussing what transport might look like in the future. Finally, pupils learnt about hydrogen (what it is, why it is useful in energy storage, how fuel cells work and how wind turbines can play a role in the process), the process of electrolysis and green futures. They applied their learning by building and trialling hydrogen powered buggies.
Secondary School Sessions
Pupils started off by learning about energy (what it is, how it is stored and how it is converted, through practical activities), such as demonstrating potential energy using elastic bands and wind-up toys, finding different types of energy in the classroom and creating simple circuits. Pupils then learnt about transport (how transport has changed over time and how changing energy systems will impact transport in the future), creating a transport timeline to see how and why transport has changed over the course of human history and discussing what transport might look like in the future. Finally, pupils learnt about hydrogen (what it is, why it is useful in energy storage, how fuel cells work and how wind turbines can play a role in the process), the process of electrolysis and green futures. They applied their learning by building and trialling hydrogen powered buggies.
The workshops were well received by both pupils and Teachers:
“The workshop had super progression in learning. There were so many links to the science curriculum and then new learning about hydrogen.” – Teacher.
“The children have come away with a greater understanding of concepts within science and new knowledge of key vocabulary such as electrolysis.” – Teacher.
“It was a very informative session, allowing the children to understand the theory then apply it practically.” – Teacher.
“I think the session was amazing! I enjoyed learning about hydrogen and building the car.” – Pupil.
“I learnt about green hydrogen and grey hydrogen.” – Pupil.
