The STEM Education project team of the Department of Physics has designed an exclusive educational kit for learning and teaching of science behind hydrogen fuel. The project is supported by the Science Education Section of the Education Bureau (EDB) to develop STEAM curriculum modules for junior secondary (S1-3) students.

The kit comprises a set of electrolyzer and model toy car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, both of which make use of proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. The electrolyzer enables production of hydrogen and oxygen gases from electrolysis of water using either solar energy or dry battery, where a 2:1 volume ratio can be readily observed. The hydrogen gas is then injected into the hydrogen fuel cell to drive a model toy car. The processes involve water but no other pollutants or greenhouse gases. The kit is designed in a comprehensive manner to help students appreciate the roles of hydrogen fuel applications in the promotion of clean energy and sustainable development.

Approximately 250 sets of the educational kit were produced using various components, including 3D-printed models. The team conducted pilot classes in two local secondary schools, and distributed the kit to over 130 teachers in three training workshops. To facilitate learning and teaching, the project team has also prepared other resources including a series of videos demonstrating different experiments and visiting exclusive facilities, instruction slides, student worksheets with suggested solutions, and list of items and 3D models used for reproducing the educational kit in school.

In the “Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival” held by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) in the Construction Industry Council – Zero Carbon Park (CIC-ZCP) on 22 – 23 February 2025, Dr. Tong’s team presented the kit to students and guests, including Dr. Sze Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education, and Mr. Poon Kwok-ying, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services. Dr. Tong also received a Certificate from the EMSD on behalf of the Department of Physics. The department will continue the dedication to introducing innovative elements to science education, while instilling in the next generation a sense of responsibility for the environment.

Hydrogen fuel cell model toy cars exclusively designed by the project team of CUHK Physics

Hands-on experience of the educational kit by groups of teachers in the training workshops. “The hydrogen kit is excellent. I have been teaching hydrogen fuel to my chemistry students for years, but in theory only. Now I can show the real processes to my students!” A science teacher said.

Dr. Tong Shiu-sing introduced the educational kit to Dr. Sze Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education

Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services Mr. Poon Kwok-ying visited CUHK’s booth

Highlights on CUHK in Focus: https://www.focus.cuhk.edu.hk/en/20250312/igniting-a-green-future-through-advancing-hydrogen-energy-education/060-environment-sustainability/