Local Students Experiment With Working Fuel Cell Technology
ATLANTA - Local middle school students experimented with hydrogen fuel cell technology today as part of a national school science program sponsored by General Motors.
Working in conjunction with GM's 2002 Technology Tour, which features fuel cell and advanced technology vehicles, former NASA shuttle commander Ken Cameron introduced the students at Hightower Trail Middle School of Cobb County to fuel cell fundamentals by demonstrating working hydrogen fuel cell prototypes.
The tour, which is traveling through key regions of the U.S. this year, allows local public policy leaders to learn about innovative vehicles and technologies, such as the GM's AUTOnomy concept vehicle, the S-10 Regen fuel cell vehicle, and the advantages of clean diesels. The tour also focuses on how these initiatives will have a positive impact on the environment.
Cameron, GM program executive for fuel cell commercialization activities, let the students see first hand how this technology works. Students helped Cameron assemble a working model fuel cell car. Water was poured into the vehicle, which separated into hydrogen and oxygen, powering the vehicle across the floor.
The activities were part of "Fuel Cells: Driving the Future," GM's nationwide in-school fuel cell education program, which is expected to reach nearly 3.5 million middle school students. Developed by Lifetime Learning Systems, a division of Weekly Reader Corp., the program provides science teachers with an engaging curriculum that highlights the fundamentals of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
"Within their lifetimes, fuel cell technology will be part of these students' daily lives," said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president of environment and energy. "By creating a curriculum that explores the technology now, we hope revolutionary ideas and research will make that day come a little sooner."
Using basic chemistry and physics experiments, students explore what a fuel cell is and how it works. They also learn about ongoing fuel cell research and possible uses for the technology, as well as the positive environmental and economic benefits of a hydrogen economy.
"Fuel Cells: Driving the Future" is part of GM's broader K-12 environmental and energy education program, which strives to enlighten and educate children about important issues that could impact their futures. GM's educational initiatives provide timely, interesting information, as well as suggestions for applying these ideas in a science curriculum. For example, through a partnership with Earth Force GREEN, GM employee volunteers work with school and youth groups to give children in their communities hands-on experience in protecting their local watersheds. In addition, GM's interactive corporate environmental education web site, www.earthtroop.com, is designed to engage children, parents and educators in a way that's fun.
"GM has created and supported these education initiatives because we believe they are essential in creating a sustainable future," said Lowery. "Through our outreach programs, we show young people that we all have a responsibility to protect our environment."
General Motors , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide. In 2001, GM earned $1.5 billion on sales of $177.3 billion, excluding special items. It employs about 362,000 people globally. GM also operates one of the world's largest and most successful financial services companies, GMAC, which offers automotive, mortgage and business financing and insurance services to customers worldwide. More information on General Motors can be found at www.gmability.com.
