Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells in comparison with gasoline/petrol engines in vehicles
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the principle and overall reaction of a hydrogen‑oxygen fuel cell.
  • Compare the advantages and disadvantages of fuel‑cell vehicles with gasoline engines.
  • Evaluate the environmental and economic implications of using hydrogen fuel cells in transport.
  • Explain the challenges of hydrogen production, storage and infrastructure.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation with diagrams
  • Handout summarising advantages, disadvantages and the comparison table
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed schematic of a hydrogen‑oxygen fuel cell
  • Exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a hydrogen‑fuel‑cell car moving silently through city streets. Ask learners what they already know about how such a vehicle obtains power and how it differs from a conventional petrol car. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe the chemistry behind the fuel cell and critically compare its pros and cons.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list on sticky notes ways cars affect the environment.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain the fuel‑cell principle, show the overall reaction and diagram the anode/cathode processes.
  3. Group analysis (12'): Distribute handouts; groups discuss advantages and disadvantages and complete a Venn diagram.
  4. Comparison activity (10'): Using the provided comparison table, groups rank key aspects (efficiency, emissions, cost, etc.) and justify their choices.
  5. Whole‑class discussion (8'): Teacher facilitates a debate on feasibility, focusing on hydrogen production, storage and infrastructure.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick Kahoot quiz with five multiple‑choice questions covering the core concepts.
Conclusion:
Recap the main points: how a hydrogen‑oxygen fuel cell works, its key advantages, and the practical challenges it faces compared with gasoline engines. Students complete an exit ticket stating one advantage and one drawback they consider most significant. For homework, assign a short research task to find a recent news article on hydrogen‑fuel‑cell vehicle developments and prepare a one‑minute summary for the next class.