Suggested learning outcomes for school clusters in Australia-
Starting in year 2006 -[ "Moonshot 2010-The Australian H2 & fuel cell science/technology education program"]
Form clusters of up to twenty(20) or more high schools, and primary schools linked to local colleges ,a university and local business.
K-4 /.
Science and technology have been practiced by people for a long time. Men and women have made a variety of contributions throughout the history of science and technology. Materials can exist in states-solid, liquid and gas. Some common materials like water can be changed from one state to another, by heating or cooling. Some resources are basic materials like air, water and soil; some are produced from food , fuel and building materials; and some resources are nonmaterial like quiet places, beauty, security and safety.5-8 /. Substances react chemically in characteristic ways with other substances to form new substances (compounds), with different characteristic properties. In chemical reactions the total mass is conserved. Substances are often placed in categories or groups if they react in similar ways; metals is an example of such a group. Energy is a property of many substances and is associated with heat, light , electricity, mechanical motion, sound, nuclei, and the nature of a chemical. Energy is transferred in many ways. Science and technology are reciprocal. Science helps drive technology as it addresses questions that demand more sophisticated instruments and provides principles for better instrumentation and technique. Technology is essential to science ,because it provides instruments and techniques that enable observations of objects and phenomena that are otherwise unobservable due to quality, distance, location, size and speed. Technology also provides tools for investigations, inquiry and analysis. Many individuals have contributed to the traditions of science. Studying some of these individuals provides further understanding of scientific inquiry ,science as a human endeavor, the nature of science, and the relationships between science and society.
Yrs 9-12 /.
Scientists rely on technology to enhance the gathering and manipulation of data. New techniques and tools provide new evidence to guide inquiry and new methods to gather data ,thereby contributing to the advance of science.The accuracy and precision of the data ,and therefore the quality of the exploration depends on the technology used. Scientific explanations must adhere to criteria such as:be logically consistent, must abide by the rules of evidence, must be open to questions and possible modification, must be based on historical and current scientific knowledge.
Matter is made up of minute particles called atoms, and atoms are composed of even smaller components. These components have measurable properties like mass and electrical charge. Each atom has a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons. The electric force between the nucleus and electrons holds the atom together. An element is composed of a single type of atom. When elements are listed in order according to the number of protons (Atomic number), repeating patterns of physical and chemical properties identify families of elements with similar properties. The "Periodic Table" is a consequence of the repeating pattern of outmost electrons and their permitted energies. A large number of important reactions involve the transfer of either electrons (oxidation/reduction reactions) or hydrogen ions (acid/base reactions) between reacting ions, molecules, or atoms. In other reactions chemical bonds are broken by heat or light to form very reactive radicals with electrons ready to form new bonds. Radical reactions control many processes such as the presence of ozone and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, burning and processing of fossil fuels, and the formation of polymers and explosions.
Science often advances with the introduction of new technologies. Solving technological problems often results in new scientific knowledge. New technologies often extend the current levels of scientific understanding and introduce new areas of research.
Suggestions: - Science/Technology syllabuses
From the era of combustion to the era of non-combustion:
1./ We have used the inefficient and polluting combustive processes involving fossil fuels in power stations (coal), transport (petrol, diesel) , for a long period of time, to extract the large amounts of energy societies have needed to function with. Due to the consequences associated with such combustive processes , like pollution, global warming and energy security, we now are moving towards extracting our energy needs electrochemically. By example from year 2010, it will be the beginning of the new efficient and "green" electrochemical engine as in the automobile, and larger fuel cell engines in a new breed of power station.
2./ There are new technologies and a new energy carrier, which proves that much work has been done and that adults do care about the environment and the future of students.
3./ What are the different types of fuel cells (and their fuels) that currently operate and extract energy electrochemically?
4./ How do we make , store and dispense hydrogen?
5./ Link existing renewable energy education to the production of hydrogen; Thus link solar energy to the production of hydrogen.
6./ Clarify "heat light" being the invisible heat energy from the sun that can heat up water by example, as different to the visible sunlight which is responsible for making electricity in solar electric panels. Also note that new 3J solar cells at ~40% efficiency by SpectroLab of the US, actually "eat heat" via ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) absorbtion.http://www.hydrogen.asn.au/SolarBall-Solar-Energy.htm
7./ Clearly explain that it has been a long desire to store solar energy from the day, so it can be used during the night. Rechargeable batteries charged by solar energy store such visible sunlight energy by example, and hot water collectors store heat light sun energy in water when making it hot. "Smart " projects are encouraged.The Fresnel lense (pronounced Fray-nell ) should be used in solar experiments.
8./ The links to the social sciences must be established, as hydrogen and fuel cell technologies represent a technological approach for environmental sustainability. Greenhouse gas ,global warming and the Kyoto Protocol are several examples.
9./ Students must be made aware of that a technological approach to satisfy future environmental sustainability, is currently adopted by the Australian and US governments. National carbon emission policies should become complementary within several years.
10./ Students must be given a timeline so they are fully aware with examples, what is coming when.
11./ Direct students to appropriate free resources so they may research topics.
12./ Encourage students to be creative and introduce innovative styles to teach and learn from.
13./ Create inter-cluster and regional project/s and or competitions.
14./ Compile notes and feedback on the program in a presentable format, as a tool for future guidance.
15./ Senior science students must make this link Basic fuel cell science
16./ More advanced projects in year 2006 and onward using integrated power supply systems.
17./ More links in year 2006 and onward with TAFE colleges , universities , and community groups.
18./ Model decentralised hybrid power supply systems (DHPSS). Projects involving solar PV tracking systems.
19./ Controller logic and design ;Projects involving solar PV concentrator tracking systems.
20./ Hydrogen is an energy carrier like electricity.
21./ Micro-fuel cells are not new types of batteries[ Similar to batteries but NOT batteries ]
Background on technology education syllabus http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/area/technology/
Teacher Resources : Factor this in
Order this report freely - Australian Hydrogen Activity
Numerous reports can be downloaded from http://www.fuelcells.org/
Please inform the FCIA on any desired participation in your regional area.
Copyright ©: This science/technology educational program with all its demonstrated copyright and IP ,is not to be used by the Australian Federal Government and/or any of its agencies. The copyright attached to this program as above, is not to be used in a sub-category, under a different title or heading, or in an acronym of the same, by The Australian Federal government or any of its agencies. Permission to grant copyright usage can only be issued by hardcopy signed and dated and delivered by post. If you do not have a signed letter issued by the FCIA, you do not have legal permission. If in doubt email the FCIA about the matter FCIA@Hydrogen.id.au