Background
Renewable energy is the way of the future. However, it is often criticized as not being viable because it is intermittent, that is, solar only works when the sun shines or wind farms only work when the wind blows. The ability to store energy generated from renewable resources will transform the way we use energy in the future.
In this program students will investigate energy storage options, including batteries, hydrogen and supercapacitor technology. Students will build simple batteries and examine the chemistry behind battery technology and its use in domestic and commercial settings. They will investigate hydrogen as a way of storing energy and the chemistry behind hydrogen fuel cells.
The use of supercapacitors to store energy is also a way in which energy can be stored. Students will build Lego vehicles that utilize capacitor storage and investigate the science behind its operation.
Prior Knowledge
No prior knowledge required.
Learning Intentions
In this activity students will:
- Examine ways of storing energy
- Be able to explain how simple chemical cells work
- Investigate future options for storing energy
Activities
Students will:
- Build simple lead acid cells and test the performance of the cells
- Construct hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
- Make and test Lego vehicles powered by capacitors
Victorian Curriculum
- Advances in scientific understanding often rely on developments in technology and technological advances are often linked to scientific discoveries (VCSSU115 [1])
- The values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research (VCSSU116 [2])
- Different types of chemical reactions are used to produce a range of products and can occur at different rates; chemical reactions may be represented by balanced chemical equations (VCSSU125 [3])
- Chemical reactions, including combustion and the reactions of acids, are important in both non-living and living systems and involve energy transfer (VCSSU126 [4])
- Electric circuits can be designed for diverse purposes using different components; the operation of circuits can be explained by the concepts of voltage and current (VCSSU130 [5])
