1. A Study of Energy, Fuel Cells and Energy Efficiency
Dalia Zygas
West Leyden High School, District 212
IIT Research Mentor:
Donald J Chmielewski
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant No. EEC Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

2. Overview
Chemistry Honors/ Chemistry
Grades 10 and 11
Time requirement : 9 class periods

3. Overview Objective Content exothermic / endothermic reactions
- DH (enthalpy) of combustion calculations
simple stoichiometric calculations with thermochemical equations
the operation of a steam engine, internal combustion engine and a fuel cell
1st Law of Thermodynamics and efficiency calculations
global warming
critical evaluation and comparison of fuels and energy sources

4. Overview Inquiry Design Engine Exploration
Design (modify prototype) and build the most efficient Hero’s engine
Students will find a source of energy inefficiency in their community and design an alternative system (supported with calculations) involving energy and financial savings

5. Overview
Ethics
– Module Synthesis- Fuel comparison- What other factors besides efficiency need to be considered? Students develop a list of criteria to evaluate different fuels and sources of energy. Students evaluate fuels using multiple perspectives. i.e. government, environmentalist, business, etc.
– Students will find a source of energy inefficiency in their community and design an alternative system (supported with calculations) involving energy and financial savings

6. Overview Illinois Learning Standards
11.A.5b Design procedures to test the selected hypotheses.
11.A.5c Conduct systematic controlled experiments to test the selected hypotheses.
11.A.5d Apply statistical methods to make predictions and to test the accuracy of results.
11.B.5a Identify a design problem that has practical applications and propose possible solutions, considering such constraints as available tools, materials, time and costs.
11.B.5b Select criteria for a successful design solution to the identified problem.
11.B.5c Build and test different models or simulations of the design solution using suitable materials, tools and technology.

7. Illinois Learning Standards
Overview
Illinois Learning Standards
11.B.5d Choose a model and refine its design based on the test results.
12.C.5a Analyze reactions (e.g., nuclear reactions, burning of fuel, decomposition of waste) in natural and man-made energy
13.A.5a Design procedures and policies to eliminate or reduce risk in potentially hazardous science activities.
13.B.4d Analyze local examples of resource use, technology use or conservation programs; document findings; and make recommendations for improvements.
13.B.5c Design and conduct an environmental impact study, analyze findings and justify recommendations

8. Illinois Learning Standards
Overview
Illinois Learning Standards
11.B.5f Using available technology, prepare and present findings of the tested design solution to an audience that may include professional and technical experts.
13.B.5d Analyze the costs, benefits and effects of scientific and technological policies at the local, state, national and global levels (e.g., genetic research, Internet access).
11.B.5e Apply established criteria to evaluate the suitability, acceptability, benefits, drawbacks and consequences for the tested design solution and recommend modifications and refinements.

9. List of topics covered by “teacher notes”
Background
List of topics covered by “teacher notes”
Activity/experiment answer keys
Assistance for experiment set up
Student background knowledge
Conversions using dimensional analysis/factor label (metric- English, grams to moles, derived units such as gallons/hour or moles /L )
Ideal Gas Law
Basic balancing equations and stoichiometry
Familiarity with calorimetry and the energy unit “Joule”

10. Examples Lessons Balancing review, combustion reactions
Enthalpy of Combustion activity
Fuel comparison activity
Engine exploration
1st Law of Thermodynamics & Efficiency lesson
Global warming & Fuel Cell web lesson

11. Project
Design project or experiments
Design and build the most efficient Hero’s engine by performing design modifications on a prototype
Bus experiment- measure the efficiency of a diesel school bus
Fuel cell experiment- measure the efficiency of model fuel cell vehicles

12. Hero’s engine prototypes Hero’s engine design experiment materials:
Fuel cell model cars
Hero’s engine prototypes
Hero’s engine design experiment materials:
nylon cord, 8 meter sticks, 8 Florence Boiling Flasks 250 mL, Copper wire AWG18, Stopwatches, Rubber stoppers, no. 5, 2- and 3- hole, Latex tubing, 8 pulleys,16 ring stands & clamps, 8 Bunsen burners, 8 large graduated cylinders, large paper clips, copper tubing , hose clamps, heat resistant duct tape, fishing swivels
Bus experiment: thermocouple, Anemometer

13. Assessment Students will be able to
calculate DH (enthalpy) of combustion given a table of bond energies
determine whether a reaction is exothermic or endothermic
be able to write and balance chemical equations involving combustion and do simple stoichiometric calculations with thermochemical equations
describe in general terms the operation of an internal combustion engine, steam engine and a fuel cell,
demonstrate how to use the 1st law of thermodynamics and how to calculate efficiency
critically evaluate what makes a good fuel
be able to explain the greenhouse effect and how it relates to energy production

14. Assessment
Quizzes on chemistry calculations, internal combustion, global warming, fuel cells
Rubric will be developed and handed out to students in advance for experiments and synthesis

15. Module Development Plan
Week 3: Continue work on module/ design & try out experiments, troubleshoot
Week 4: Present progress report (continue w/ week 3 activities)
Week 5: Continue work on module, try out experiments, troubleshoot
Week 6: Finish module – Perform trial run of experiment(s), rehearse presentation
Week 7: Present module at the RET Workshop