O Levels/IGCSE Chemistry Lesson Plan 4.2

Topic: Electrochemistry – Hydrogen–Oxygen Fuel Cells

Section	Details
Objective	State that a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water as the only chemical product.
Activities	– Starter (5 mins): Show a diagram of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell and ask: “What do you think powers this device?” – Main (25 mins): 1. Define a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell and explain how it works. 2. Highlight that hydrogen reacts with oxygen to generate electricity, producing only water as a chemical product. 3. Show the overall equation for the reaction: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O. – Plenary (10 mins): Students summarize the process in a flowchart, showing inputs, outputs, and the main reaction.
Resources	Diagram of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell, animations/videos of fuel cell operation, worksheets.
Time	40 minutes total: 5 mins (Starter) + 25 mins (Main) + 10 mins (Plenary).
Homework	Research and write a short explanation of how hydrogen is stored and supplied to fuel cells.
Assessment	Worksheet: Label the components of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell and describe the reaction.
Past Paper Practice	IGCSE Chemistry 0620/41/O/N/21 Q8(a) – Basic operation of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell.

Section	Details
Objective	Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells compared with gasoline/petrol engines in vehicles.
Activities	– Starter (5 mins): Show two pictures: one of a car using a fuel cell and one using a petrol engine. Ask: “What are the differences in how these vehicles operate?” – Main (25 mins): 1. Discuss the advantages of hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells: zero emissions, renewable energy source, higher efficiency. 2. Discuss the disadvantages: hydrogen storage issues, production cost, and limited infrastructure. 3. Compare these factors with those of gasoline engines (e.g., widespread availability, high emissions). – Plenary (10 mins): Students create a table comparing fuel cells and petrol engines based on environmental impact, efficiency, and practicality.
Resources	Diagrams of fuel cell vehicles and petrol engines, videos comparing their operation, worksheets for comparison.
Time	40 minutes total: 5 mins (Starter) + 25 mins (Main) + 10 mins (Plenary).
Homework	Write a paragraph on whether hydrogen fuel cells or petrol engines are more sustainable, providing reasons.
Assessment	Worksheet: List three advantages and three disadvantages of hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells compared to petrol engines.
Past Paper Practice	IGCSE Chemistry 0620/41/M/J/20 Q8(b) – Comparing hydrogen fuel cells and gasoline engines.

Use visual aids like diagrams and videos to simplify the concept of hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells.
Encourage students to think critically about the real-world applications and challenges of adopting fuel cells.
Relate the topic to current trends in renewable energy and sustainable transportation.