Simulating Fuel Cells & Electrolysis

Understanding how fuel cells and electrolysers work can be challenging for young learners, as both involve chemical reactions and processes that cannot be easily observed. This resource has been designed by the HyAcademy.eu Project as an interactive group activity for pupils aged 8–11, while also being adaptable for older students. It provides learners with an opportunity to explore these technologies by physically simulating the movement of hydrogen, oxygen, ions, and electrons within a fuel cell.

The activity introduces the fundamental relationship between electrolysis and fuel cells, showing that the two processes are essentially the reverse of one another. Through role-play and classroom demonstration, students can develop an intuitive understanding of how electrolysers use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, and how fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water. The resource also includes guidance for teachers on explaining these processes and organising the practical simulation.