Clean energy on London curriculum

A scheme set up to enthuse school children about clean energy technologies - and perhaps inspire the engineers of the future - has been launched in the capital.


As part of their science lessons, children aged 11-14 at participating secondary schools will learn about hydrogen technologies and the environmental benefits of their applications this term, then will be quizzed on their knowledge next year.

A finalist will be selected from each of the city’s boroughs to compete in a grand final in June 2008, with a range of cash prizes up for grabs as an incentive.

The London Schools Hydrogen Challenge was launched by Deputy Mayor and chair of the London Hydrogen Partnership, Nicky Gavron, at City Hall on Wednesday.

Using online teaching resources, the challenge aims not only to inform pupils about cutting-edge green technologies, but also to encourage them to think about a future career developing them.

“The London Schools Hydrogen Challenge is a fantastic tool for London’s schoolchildren and their teachers,” said Ms Gavron.

“These schoolchildren are the pathfinders. It is their generation that can achieve the cleaner and greener hydrogen economy, but we need more young people to choose a career in developing green technologies. This website opens the door by offering a fun and interesting approach to learning.”

“This initiative from the London Hydrogen Partnership promotes the importance of hydrogen as the ultimate clean energy source, with a key role in reducing London’s impact on climate change as well as cutting air pollution.”

The website is designed for use on interactive whiteboards in classrooms so pupils can carry out hands on virtual experiments and is designed to help teachers fit the activities into their lesson plans while meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum.

Full details of the challenge can be seen on its website.

The London Hydrogen Partnership was set up to investigate the potential of using the fuel in the capital, from driving public transport to powering CHP plants, and to help stimulate the market where possible.

Sam Bond

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